BEFS Bulletin 361: Climate change, accessibility and EDI news

BEFS NEWS

Funding for a new centre to accelerate net-zero buildings for cities: The new Centre for Net-Zero High Density Buildings based at Edinburgh Futures Institute has won a 4.5 million funding boost from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The Centre will investigate how to make buildings in heavily populated areas more energy-efficient to reduce carbon emissions, lower heating bills, and bring eco-friendly construction products to the market; testing new prototypes and retrofit with low-carbon materials, heating and cooling systems, and energy storage technologies. Led by the University of Edinburgh, the research partnership combines the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, and BE-ST – Scotland’s construction innovation centre.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is recruiting for a Carbon Manager. The post supports delivery of HES’ Climate Action Plan and carbon reduction targets, working towards reaching net zero and responding to the Climate Emergency. Read more on their website.

More HES news – a recently unveiled outreach and learning framework, Making Sense of Scotland aims to utilise Scotland’s historic environment as a national resource for lifelong learning, designed to forge deeper connections between Scotland’s heritage and its people, prioritising diversity, creativity and accessibility through cross-sector collaboration.

UK Heritage Pulse have published a report following a survey to assess opportunities for young people, and whether attitudes to publicly embracing EDI are changing. The survey sought responses to the question of how the sector is breaking down barriers to opportunity and explored access to career paths for people from all backgrounds, together with approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion. The survey reported that almost three quarters of respondents would recommend a career in the heritage sector to a young person leaving education today, despite many organisations not currently offering traditional routes for new career entrants like apprenticeships and paid internships. Read the full report here.

And finally, if you happen to be looking for the perfect office in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City, the Scottish Civic Trust has offices available to rent in The Tobacco Merchant’s House. Key features include historic charm, a prime location, shared amenities and 24-hour access!

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and answers for recent questions regarding planning, skills, land reform, cladding remediation, funding allocation and spending, and housing.

CONSULTATIONS

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial, and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

Survey on Planning Policy
UK Government
This survey, conducted by Verian on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), previously the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is focused on national planning legislation, policy and guidance for decisions involving demolishing and redeveloping or retrofitting buildings. The data collected from this survey will allow MHCLG to collect robust evidence quickly, and in turn will be used to inform key policy development.
Closes 31 October 2024

Scotland’s City Region and Regional Growth Deals
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee will undertake an inquiry to look at the implementation and effectiveness of deals; considering how deals have contributed to addressing local issues, and supporting development and inclusive growth. As part of this work, the Committee will consider submissions made earlier this year to the Scottish Affairs Committee and are keen to hear a wide range of views to help with this work. They are particularly keen to hear from Scottish businesses, Local authorities involved in Deals and Community groups.
Closes 14 November 2024

Scottish Building Safety Levy: consultation on proposals
Scottish Government
Responses to this consultation and the associated programme of engagement will support the policy development for a potential future Building Safety Levy in Scotland. If the powers to allow Scottish Ministers to introduce a building safety levy are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, then responses will also support development of a future Bill that provides for a devolved tax.
The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
Closes 18 November 2024

PETITIONS

Clerk’s note for PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition.

NEWS RELEASES

Heritage Counts: The Economic Value of the Heritage Sector (Historic England 19/09/2024)

Underground bin system deployed at St Andrews development (Scottish Housing News 19/09/2024)

Steady progress being made in tackling Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land and opportunities to deliver more (Scottish Land Commission 25/09/2024)

Open letter from over 130 social and environmental justice NGOs, grassroots community groups, service providers, economists, think tanks and business leaders calling for support from the First Minister for Sarah Boyack’s proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill  (Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland 01/10/2024)

The Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland Response to an Infrastructure Levy for Scotland (RTPI 01/10/2024)

Protecting our built heritage and collections (Cardiff University 01/10/2024)
Buildings and collections of historical significance will be safeguarded for future generations, thanks to a new project from Cardiff University.

Impact Report demonstrates power of community heritage (Heritage Trust Network 02/10/2024)

Offices to let in the historic Tobacco Merchant’s House (Scottish Civic Trust 02/10/2024)

A New Future for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park (Historic Environment Scotland 04/10/2024)

European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2024 in Bucharest: 5 Grand Prix and Public Choice Award announced (Europa Nostra 07/10/2024)

Opportunities for young people, and whether attitudes to publicly embracing EDI are changing (UK Heritage Pulse 07/10/2024)

Built Environment Committee: High streets in towns and small cities (House of Lords 08/10/2024)

Emma Pinchbeck announced as the new Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee (Climate Change Committee 09/10/2024)

The Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland Membership Elections are now open (RTPI 10/10/2024)

Launch of the Pilot Version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (Net Zero Carbon Buildings UK 14/10/2024)

Call for Entries for the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2025 is now open! (Europa Nostra 15/10/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Scottish Land Commission vacant and derelict land reuse:  progress report (Scottish Land Commission September 2024)

AHF Scotland Programmes, 2019-24 (The Architectural Heritage Fund September 2024)

Arts for Us All: Putting culture and creativity at the heart of national renewal (Fabian Society 18/09/2024)
Proposals for supporting the heritage sector include a temporary 5% boost for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, a tourism tax, a national retrofit strategy, embedding heritage crafts in the curriculum.

The story of BE-ST and the net zero carbon built environment (Built Environment – Smarter Transformation October 2024)

Report detailing the benefits National Park status brings for the farmers operating within them (Scottish Environment LINK 01/10/2024)

Sustainable housing policy in Scotland: Re-booting the affordable housing supply programme (CaCHE 11/10/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on a range of matters raised by the committee in connection with its scrutiny of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 25/09/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee on powers within the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 26/09/2024)

Social capital and community wellbeing in Scotland (Scot Gov 01/10/2024)

Supporting net zero in construction (Scot Gov 01/10/2024)

Affordable Housing Supply Programme: quarterly updates on approvals, site starts and completions (Scot Gov 01/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee following a call for views on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill’s Financial Memorandum (Scot Parl 01/10/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 01/10/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Commitee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 01/10/2024)

Non-domestic (business) rates roadmap (Scot Gov 02/10/2024)

Building and fire safety – ministerial working group: Grenfell inquiry phase 2 minutes: September 2024 (Scot Gov 02/10/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Cross Sector Working Group minutes – May 2024 (Scot Gov 02/10/2024)

Housing Emergency Debate (Scot Parl 02/20/2024)

Stability for the culture sector (Scot Gov 03/10/2024)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 03/10/2024)

Holyrood’s Net Zero Committee accepts the general principles of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 04/10/2024)

Stage 1 report on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 04/10/2024)

Evaluation of the Changing Futures programme (Scot Gov 04/10/2024)

Supporting island communities: £3 million to help improve lives and build prosperity (Scot Gov 07/10/2024)

Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group – 27 August 2024  (Scot Gov 07/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding a Financial Memorandum on the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 07/10/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 08/10/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment summary (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

Members appointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Stage 1 report on Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

National Planning Framework 4 (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Cabinet Secretary’s statement (Scot Gov 10/10/2024)

Heat in Buildings: progress report 2024 (Scot Gov 10/10/2024)

International Climate Finance Results 2024 (UK Gov 11/10/2024)

Correspondence between Alasdair Allan and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding the annual progress report on the Heat in Buildings Strategy (Scot Gov 11/10/2024)

Daily list of amendments Stage 2 of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 11/10/2024)

Holyrood Committee welcome commitment to increased culture funding but call for more clarity and greater certainty to be provided following UK Spending Review (Scot Parl 11/10/2024)

Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Funding for Culture (Scot Parl 11/20/2024)

Thousands of new homes to be built as government unlocks brownfield sites (UK Gov 15/10/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

How Young People can Shape Environmental Policy in Urban Spaces (Policy & Politics Journal Blog 25/09/2024)

Global learnings for land reform in Scotland: Towards more radical solutions (Andy Wightman 02/10/2024)

Arts groups face uncertainty as funding news delayed (BBC News 03/10/2024

Housing regulations will force builders ‘out of Scotland’ (The Times 03/10/2024)

Scotland’s new climate legislation risks repeating mistakes of the past (IPPR 04/10/2024)

Government housing targets unrealistic and unfair, English councils warn (The Observer 13/10/2024)

New archaeological evidence reveals Edinburgh’s Mound was a carefully planned construction project using regulated waste deposits, not a haphazard rubbish dump as previously thought (The Observer, 13/10/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-14808
Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 04/10/2024
That the Parliament congratulates the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Archaeology Institute on having secured £1.6 million in funding to establish a centre for environmental archaeology in Orkney; recognises that this will provide invaluable access to a central research centre for UHI students, visiting researchers, community groups, and partners; commends the efforts taken to secure this funding, which, it believes, will make Orkney a pioneer in this growing sector of global research; notes the significance of environmental archaeology to researching vital areas of interest concerning biodiversity, rewilding and sustainability, which, it understands, are integral to efforts to tackle the climate crisis; understands that the centre will be accompanied by a mobile laboratory, which will be used to help facilitate projects across Scotland, supporting community events and research fieldwork, and pays tribute to the success of the UHI Archaeology Institute in its hard work to bring this opportunity to Orkney and Scotland more widely.

S6M-14825
Submitted by: Ross Greer, West Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 07/10/2024
That the Parliament notes that the fiscal levers that are currently available to the Scottish Government are inadequate to fully protect public services and communities from UK Government austerity and economic turmoil, but that the Scottish Government must use every power at its disposal to address the urgent social, economic and environmental challenges that Scotland faces; calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to explore all avenues to fiscal sustainability, including seeking opportunities for further powers, such as those over levies and charges, to be devolved to local government for 2025-26, creating new powers, such as a cruise ship levy, exploring how a carbon emissions land tax and a power of general competence could be delivered and ensuring the most effective and progressive use of existing tax powers and tax reliefs and that spending does not undermine the core missions of tackling child poverty and the climate emergency, and calls on the UK Labour administration to scrap the fiscal rules of the former UK Conservative administration.

S6M-14836
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 08/10/2024
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

S6M-14862
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 09/10/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the following changes to committee membership will apply from close of business on Thursday 10 October 2024—
Stephen Kerr be appointed to replace Meghan Gallacher as a member of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
Liam Kerr be appointed to replace Russell Findlay as a member of the Criminal Justice Committee. Sue Webber be appointed to replace Oliver Mundell as a member of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

EVENTS

Scottish Records Association & Scottish Association of Country House Archivists – Conference: Estate, Household and Family Collections and their Use in Research
Date & Time: Wednesday 23 October 2024 (Aberdeen) & Friday 15 November 2024 (Perth)
Location: Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen (23 Oct) and Soutar Theatre, A K Bell Library, Perth (15 Nov)
The Scottish Records Association and the Scottish Association of Country House Archivists are holding a two-part conference on estate, household and family papers in private and public ownership and their use in historical and other types of research. The first event in Aberdeen will focus specifically on estate papers, while the second event in Perth will look at wider country house collections, including correspondence and household papers and libraries. Associated palaeography workshops will also be held on Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24 October 2024 at the Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen. For more details and booking information, please see the Conference and Workshops Form and the Conference Booking Form here.

Under One Roof – Navigating tenement building repairs: West Lothian
Date & Time: Thursday 24 October 2024; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof for a free and informative webinar on navigating tenement building repairs in West Lothian. Topics covered will include important tenement legislation, organizing common repairs, and dealing with non-payment. The session will end with a Q&A. Presenters include Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, and Stephen Kelly, Education and Training Officer at Under One Roof. This webinar is suitable for anyone involved in tenement maintenance and repairs, including flat owners, landlords, and property managers.

AHSS Lecture – Fiona Sinclair: Streamlining the Streets
Date & Time: Thursday 24 October 2024; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
A surprising amount of construction took place in Renfrewshire during the 1930s. Fiona Sinclair, architect and historian, will illustrate the wealth of buildings from the inter-war period in Renfrewshire and highlight the achievements of some remarkable architects. Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25

Under One Roof – Tenement maintenance and repairs: Falkirk
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 October 2024; 3-4.30pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof for a webinar with Falkirk Council for flat owners, landlords, and letting agents across the Falkirk area. The webinar will cover tenement maintenance, organising common repairs, and includes a Q&A session.

The Cockburn Association – Responsible Tourism: Solutions for Edinburgh’s Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 30 October 2024;12-5pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL and Online
Join The Cockburn Association for an afternoon of discussion on Edinburgh’s tourism industry. Guests will include Dr Harold Goodwin, Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, Professor John Lennon, former Director of the Moffat Centre of Travel and Tourism Business Development, representatives from the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, Edinburgh Living Rent, City Council officials, and more!

National Churches Trust – Building Sustainable Futures for Scottish Churches: Meet the Funders
Date & Time: Friday 1 November 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG
Join the National Churches Trust at Paisley Abbey to chat with funders and advisers all under one roof. They are there to help support all aspects of the work within your church building, whether it is from community, heritage, faith, tourism, or climate action sectors.  Whether you are a congregation looking to repair a roof or to expand your community outreach; or a community organisation considering how to prepare a business plan and get advice on which insurance you will need, there will be someone there to help.  Meet with the experts across the sectors and chat with churches, communities and organisations who have already tackled the challenges you are facing.

SPAB-STBA Conference 2024: New Ideas for Old Buildings
Date & Time:  Tuesday 5 November 2024; 9:30am-5:15pm
Location:   The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York YO30 7DR
Our traditional and historic buildings are facing unique challenges in the face of climate change, technological advancements, skills shortages, and economic pressures. This year’s theme will be exploring where tradition meets innovation, and how the past informs the future.? You’ll hear from a wide array of experts sharing the latest research, ideas, and innovations to give the built heritage a sustainable future. Join SPAB to discover the latest on Materials for the Future, Educational Initiatives, Innovative Applications, Community Engagement, and Technological Advancements.

SHBT – The Magdalen Chapel: Past, Present & Future
Date & Time: Friday 8 November 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust in collaboration with the Scottish Reformation Society and the Incorporation of the Hammermen are delighted to host this academic conference at Riddle’s Court to stimulate discussion on the Magdalen Chapel in the Cowgate, its past present and future. This conference will bring together experts to discuss the history of the Chapel, helping to raise its profile with locals, visitors and experts alike. Discover how through innovation and creativity, it can once again become one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.

AHSS – David Munro: The Making of a Ducal Landscape
Date & Time: Monday 11 November 2024; 6:30pm
Location:  Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, Dr David Munro, a geographical consultant for the Duke of Buccleuch at Drumlanrig Castle, draws on historic estate plans and fieldwork to examine a ducal landscape that includes one of Scotland’s largest castles. He also uncovers a wider estate landscape rich in historical features that provide opportunities for heritage conservation and educational activities within the local community. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / online booking links.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2024 – Balancing the Books
Date & Time: Wednesday 20 November 2024; 12-2pm
Location: Online
Now in its 15th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today. This year’s debate, ‘Balancing the Books: How should the heritage sector be funded?’, is a must-hear for all those invested in the sector’s future and its survival in today’s uncertain financial climate. Hear members of an expert panel make a case for the benefits and pitfalls of public, private and philanthropic funding models, and be part of this important discussion by casting your vote.

AHSS Lecture – Niall Murphy: The Glasgow Cenotaph
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In its centenary year, Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, will discuss Sir John James Burnet’s design for the Glasgow Cenotaph and how it sits within the context of the other war memorials he produced for the likes of the Imperial War Graves Commission. Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25

Icon Scotland – 2024 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 5:30-6:15pm
Location: Auditorium A, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George St, Glasgow G1 1RD
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything they’ve been doing in 2024, and everything planned for 2025. Tickets are free and you can come along whether you’re an Icon member or considering joining! The AGM will be followed by the Plenderleith Lecture, with speaker Caroline Bendix.

Icon Scotland – 27th Plenderleith Lecture. From vellum to voicemail: Twenty-first century conservation challenges
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Auditorium A, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George St, Glasgow G1 1RD
Join Icon Scotland for the 27th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture, an annual lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the key founders of modern conservation. The invited speaker this year is library conservator Caroline Bendix ACR. Using her own experience as a freelance conservator for many years, Caroline will explore some of the issues facing conservators today. Caroline’s talk will be followed by a drinks reception, and the opportunity to chat with other conservators.

HES – Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations 2024: Connect & Create Capacity
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 9:15am-4:15pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ/Online
People are at the heart of community heritage, and the health of our cultural, built, natural, and archaeological heritage is intricately tied to the passion, dedication, expertise and energy of the people who care for it. But in the face of ever-growing pressures on resources and capacity, how can the sector remain robust and adapt to address the changes and challenges that it faces? Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversation will discuss how creating new connections can help us access a wider pool of knowledge and support, unlocking fresh enthusiasm and ideas. Exploring how innovative approaches to audience engagement, volunteering and workforce development can build greater capacity, foster inclusivity, aid advocacy and ensure that activities are vibrant, relevant, and accessible to all.

RIAS – Live. Building Bonds: the Architect-Client Collaboration
Date & Time:  Friday 22 November 2024; 9:30am-5pm
Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4EA
Every year, RIAS are proud to host the single largest annual gathering for architects in Scotland, as an opportunity to bring people together to discuss how architects can use and develop their skills, and be a key part of Scotland’s future as a green, resilient and healthy nation. This year, they are looking forward for their second RIAS Live – a one-day event this year held in Dundee where insightful presentations are met with opportunities to discuss, debate and contribute.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership – Conference 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 November 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Perth Concert Hall, Perth PH1 5HZ
STC24 highlights the importance of cultural, built, and natural assets in driving economic, social, and environmental progress in Scotland’s towns and places. Discuss, learn about and connect with the resilient and thriving places showcasing at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024: “Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future.” This year’s conference will delve into the critical role of cultural, built, and natural assets in fostering local economic, social, and environmental transformative change. Join the STP for an inspiring yet practice-based experience featuring study visits, keynote speakers, interactive workshops, collaborative world café sessions and a solutions-based exhibition.

Scottish Council on Archives – Annual Conference 2024: Building Evidence. How Archives and Records support Scotland’s Historic Environment
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 December 2024; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Building Evidence will explore how archives and records support engagement with, conservation of, and research into Scotland’s historic environment. The event will be structured around the three priority areas of Our Past, Our Future – The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment: Delivering the transition to net zero; Empowering resilient and inclusive communities and places; Building a wellbeing economy. In addition to these key themes, Building Evidence will shine a spotlight on the urgent need for a national strategy for archives and records in Scotland, ensuring their preservation and relevance for future generations.

 

RIAS – Conservation Seminar: Shared Responsibilities and Challenges
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 October 2024; 1-4:30pm
Location: Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Hear from Conservation/ Sustainability Accredited architects, Chartered Surveyors and Heritage Trusts Managers as they present on exceptional examples of multi-storey retrofit, maintenance, and regeneration with case study discussion at Woodside Flats, Glasgow, Stirling and Paisley.

C&BS – People Matters | Equalities within Boards
Date & Time: Wednesday 6 November 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential to ensuring the culture sector is the very best it can be.
In this sector insight, employment law specialist Barry Nichol will explore how to ensure that EDI policies carry through to board level. Topics covered include Legal obligations surrounding Equalities and Boards; Strategies for ensuring Boards are representative and inclusive including how to recruit; Strategies for ensuring Board governance is fair and equitable. This will be useful to anyone who is involved in governance at their organisation, who would like to ensure their Board is as inclusive and equitable as possible.

RIAS – Assertiveness and EQ Workshop for Architects
Date & Time: Thursday 7 November 2024; 2-4:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
This session, led by Russell Wardrop – CEO of KWC Global will focus on developing the emotional intelligence (EI) skills of architects who lead / are aspiring to lead and how to apply these skills in challenging situations.

Heritage Trust Network – Network Academy: Regeneration Journey
Dates & Times: Friday 8, 15, 22 & 29 November 2024; 9:30-12:30
Location: Online via Zoom
The Regeneration Journey is an introduction to heritage regeneration projects, aimed at Heritage Trust Network members who are in the early stages of their first project, as a volunteer or a member of staff. It will be suitable for those working at community organisations, charities, and professional heritage trusts. The programme will be delivered to a cohort of 14 people and will introduce the key areas that each regeneration project will likely involve, giving an overview and insight to the road ahead. The programme will include expert speakers, case studies from those who have been there before and engaging activities to get you thinking! There will also be the opportunity to network and build contacts with all attendees.

SP=EED Training – Develop practical skills in community engagement
Date & Time: Wednesday 13 November 2024; 10am-3:30pm
Location: The Crannie, 9 Cranston Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BE
This one-day course will help you develop practical skills in community engagement using the SP=EED guide (Successful Planning = Effective Engagement and Delivery). Strong community engagement skills are a key requirement for planners and those working in related fields. The SP=EED approach provides a clear and practical framework for carrying out engagement projects and the workshop allows deeper understanding of the range of skills required for effective engagement, showcasing a range of creative and effective engagement tools to suit different scenarios. Book here.

C&BS – People Matters | Tools and Procedures for Accessibility
Date & Time: Thursday 14 November 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This disabled-led training with Birds of Paradise is underpinned by an extensive knowledge of equality and access within the sector and offers practical guidance on how to work accessibly, particularly when planning activities and events. Participants will leave feeling more comfortable and confident in their interactions with disabled people. The knowledge, skills & tools they gain during the session will apply across all areas of their work and motivate them to make a positive change. In this three-hour session you will learn about: Access Requirements Forms; Access Statements; Planning for Access. This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about disability equality, and create more inclusive, accessible environments within their work.

C&BS – Sponsorship + VAT
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Sponsorship + VAT implications are often overlooked or ignored. Join this session to learn how to achieve valuable VAT benefits and savings. The VAT implications associated with sponsorship agreements are often overlooked or ignored. The arrangements can provide valuable VAT benefits and savings to cultural bodies, but they can also result in unbudgeted or additional costs if they are not recorded correctly.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 25 – Friday 29 November 2024
Location: Online
This course is designed for students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, this course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach. Through a series of recorded lectures, virtual site visits and online Q&A sessions you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings. The online format means you’ll benefit from an extended learning period from 28 October until January, so you can study at a time and place that’s right for you. You’ll also be able to interact with the specialists, site visit hosts and other participants via live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 25 – 29 November.

VACANCIES

The Royal Town Planning Institute – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £21,840 pro-rata per annum
Status: 21 hours per week; nine-month fixed term contract
Location: Edinburgh based with a blend of home and office working
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. These are important and exciting times for planning in Scotland. RTPI Scotland has been heavily involved with the preparation of the NPF4 and are aiming to be supporting the implementation of the framework. This post will be key in supporting a number of current workstreams including magazine programming and editing, resourcing research, developing a programme to enhance the pipeline of planners, supporting policy development and consultation responses. They are looking for a motivated person who can use collaborative and analytical skills to support the engagement of the Scottish membership on planning policy matters. You will be organised, have strong communication skills, a degree level qualification in a relevant social science subject or working towards completion of an RTPI accredited course and a firm understanding of the current issues facing planners and the planning system. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification.
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 10 November 2024

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Trustee Roles
Fife Historic Buildings Trust are recruiting new volunteers to join their Board of Trustees/Directors. Previous board or trustee experience is not necessary and applications are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds for the board to be representative of the beneficiaries the Trust serves. Based on a recent Board skills audit, knowledge or experience in any of the following areas would be of particular interest (but is not essential):

• Enterprise / business planning
• Equality & inclusion
• Fundraising
• IT & Cyber security
• Learning & education
• Legal
• Marketing & communications
• Natural heritage
• Organisational development
• Property management
• Sustainability & climate action

Find out more about the opportunity from the recruitment pack and if you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Bell, FHBT Manager:  lorraine@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk or 07482 306218.
Closing date: Friday 18 October 2024