Icon is delighted to congratulate York Glaziers Trust on its successful achievement of a Princess Royal Training Award, recognising the organisation's outstanding commitment to safeguarding specialist conservation skills for future generations.
The Princess Royal Training Awards, established by City & Guilds and championed by HRH The Princess Royal, recognise organisations across the UK that can demonstrate the positive impact of exceptional learning and development programmes on individuals and organisational success.
York Glaziers Trust has been honoured for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of stained-glass conservators through a structured and impactful training programme. Since 2021, four trainees have progressed through hands-on learning on live conservation projects, supporting succession planning and organisational resilience. The programme has reduced the workforce age profile from 47 to 40, enabled career progression into senior roles and safeguarded specialist conservation skills.
As the oldest and largest specialist stained glass conservation studio in Britain, and counting three Icon accredited conservators (ACRs) among its 17 members of staff, York Glaziers Trust cares for some of the nation's most important historic stained glass, including the world-renowned Great East Window of York Minster. The Trust's dedication to training and professional development has created pathways for emerging conservators to develop the expertise needed to preserve these irreplaceable cultural assets for future generations.
Michael Osbaldeston, Chair of Trustees at Icon, said:
“I am delighted to congratulate the York Glaziers Trust on being recognised with a Princess Royal Training Award. This royal recognition for the evidenced impact of skills development is a true mark of achievement. Furthermore, York Glazier Trust’s investment in creating a pipeline of skilled stained-glass conservators will ensure succession planning and organisational resilience. Generations will benefit from this investment in skills through their enjoyment of the beauty of our stained-glass heritage.”
The Princess Royal Training Award highlights the critical role that investment in skills and training plays in sustaining the UK's heritage sector. Specialist conservation disciplines rely on highly skilled practitioners whose expertise is developed over many years. By prioritising training and knowledge transfer, organisations such as York Glaziers Trust are helping to secure the future of these vital professions.
York Glaziers Trust's success demonstrates the tangible benefits of investing in people and serves as an inspiring example for the wider heritage and conservation community.
We warmly congratulate everyone at York Glaziers Trust whose dedication, expertise and commitment to learning have contributed to this well-deserved recognition.
For more information about the 2026 recipients of the Princess Royal Training Awards: 2026 Recipients | Princess Royal Training Awards