Serving the profession: how to be an active Icon member

Your contributions can shape policies, initiatives, and advocacy efforts that have a real impact on the sector

01 Jun 2023

 

As an Icon member, you get access to our magazine, Journal, newsletter, and exclusive career development events so you're up to date with everything happening in the world of conservation.

But did you know you can get much more out of your Icon membership joining a committee or taking up a role?

It's a fantastic way to gain new skills, build a strong network, serve the profession and make an impact! 

Hundreds of Icon members have volunteered to take up committee roles. Their contributions help shape initiatives and advocacy efforts that have a real impact on the sector.

 


How will this benefit you?

  • You will continue your professional development by taking on additional responsibility and learning new skills
  • You will be exposed to new ideas and working styles from colleagues
  • You will meet a range of like-minded peers 
  • Your contribution will evidence a commitment to your career on your CV

What skills can you gain?

  • Communications skills
  • Time management, planning, adaptability, problem-solving
  • Teamwork, collaboration, coordination, dependability
  • Delegation, leadership, responsibility
  • Stakeholder management 

What are some Icon committees I could join?

 

Group committees

  • Stand up for a Group committee role and shape the strategy, events programme and social media presence of a group related to your specialism or interests
  • learn new skills, broaden personal and professional networks, and give something back to the profession
  • The Group committee roles are Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Events Officer and Social Media Officer

 

Accreditation Committee

  • Play an active role in upholding high standards of practice in the sector
  • Gain analytical skills
  • Support new conservators
  • Learn from interesting ethical discussions

 

PSD (Professional Standards & Development) Committee

  • Shape the work of Icon and ensure that the needs of the sector are met
  • Uphold high standards of practice and maintain the Icon Professional Standards
  • Give back and use your professional knowledge

 

Conferences Committee

  • Gain events organising and planning skills by supporting Icon to put out great conferences
  • Meet with like-minded, community-oriented conservators

How else can I get involved?

 

Contribute an article to Iconnect magazine or the Icon website

  • Share your projects and play a role in promoting conservation to a wide audience
  • Push public awareness of what conservators do and why it's important

Find out more about how you can contribute here.

 

Become a mentor

Icon runs a Student Mentor Programme (read more here) and a Pathway Mentor Programme offering support to Pathway members working towards accreditation (find out more here).

  • Meet new conservators and support them to develop their career
  • Develop mentorship and support skills
  • Gain experiences to use in your own CPD

 

Become a CPD Reader

  • Gain a unique insight into what conservators in other specialisms are doing
  • Get inspiration for your own career and CPD
  • Get involved in the ACR community

Become an Accreditation Assessor

  • Play an active role in maintaining high standards in the profession
  • Support the next generation of conservators
  • Gain analytical skills
  • Have a fun day out!

How do I put myself forward?

When there are open calls for vacancies, they are advertised on Icon's website, Icon's Jobs board, Iconnect emails and on Group pages. It's also worth contacting a Group committees directly. Feel free to also email the staff team with any specific questions.