From preserving historic buildings and archaeological finds to caring for archives, collections and artworks, conservation professionals safeguard the objects and places that connect us to our shared history. But what happens when the specialist skills needed to care for them begin to disappear?
The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is inviting conservation practitioners across the UK to take part in a new Skills at Risk Practitioner Survey, helping to identify the knowledge, techniques and specialisms that could be at risk of being lost from the profession.
Why this matters?
Many conservation skills are highly specialised, developed over years of training and experience, and often passed on directly from one practitioner to another. In some areas, only a small number of professionals hold particular expertise.
As training routes change, workforces evolve and opportunities to pass on knowledge become more limited, there is growing concern that some of these vital skills could be lost.
By sharing your experience, you'll help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing the profession today and where support is most urgently needed.
Shaping the future of conservation
Supported by the Pilgrim Trust, the Skills at Risk project will explore where conservation skills shortages exist, what is driving them, and how the sector can respond.
The findings will help inform future advocacy, training opportunities and workforce development, creating a stronger evidence base for ensuring specialist conservation expertise continues to thrive.
Whether you're an emerging professional, an experienced practitioner or nearing retirement, your perspective is important.
Take part
The survey takes around 15-20 minutes to complete and is open to conservation practitioners working across all specialisms.
The more voices represented, the stronger the picture we can build together.
Complete the survey by 25 November 2026 and help shape the future of conservation skills.
Prize draw
Participants who choose to provide their contact details will be entered into a prize draw to win:
- One year's Icon membership
- One of two £100 vouchers to use towards Icon events
Conservation depends on people, their knowledge, experience and specialist skills. This survey is an opportunity to ensure those skills are recognised, valued and sustained for future generations.
