‘There aren’t enough of us out there’ and ‘we can’t find people with the right combination of specialist knowledge and practical skills’ are fairly typical comments emanating from the group of professionals engaged in the analysis and recording of historic buildings and areas. But to what extent is this actually the case? New research being carried out by Atkins for English Heritage (with the support of Historic Scotland) will chart the health of the various specialisms engaged in ‘buildings history’ in the UK – principally applied architectural history, buildings history and buildings archaeology – providing baseline information on the current and likely future levels of activity in this area. The research will provide a basis for the development of training programmes in response to anticipated growth in this part of the heritage sector arising from reforms to heritage protection legislation and the planning system in England and Wales.

Questionnaires

Questionnaires are being sent to practitioners, heritage bodies and training providers and are also available to download, and the results of the survey will be available in early 2008. For more information on the project please contact one of the following English Heritage staff: John Cattell, Chief Buildings Historian (john.cattell@english-heritage.org.uk) or Robert Hook, Head of Training and Standards (bob.hook@english-heritage.org.uk).

Questionnaire A

For units, consultants and others engaged in buildings history surveys:

Buildings History Skills Questionnaire A

Questionnaire B

For organisations commissioning or regulating buildings history surveys:

Buildings History Skills Questionnaire B

Questionnaire C

For Universities, Colleges and other providers of training in buildings history and related subjects:

Buildings History Skills Questionnaire C

Please feel free to complete all questionnaires relevant to your areas of operations. The deadline for completed responses is 14th December 2007. Please return completed questionnaires to Janet.miller@atkinsglobal.com

Or