Applications for the Georgian Group’s 2017 Architectural Awards are still open. The Awards recognise exemplary restoration of a building, landscape or townscape constructed between c.1660-1840 or new building or landscape work in the classical tradition. Full details and an application form can be found here. …

The IHBC has launched a new Guidance Note on ‘Townscape as an important concept in conservation area management’, to explain the importance the Institute places on townscape as a specific concept in the proper management of conservation areas, and address current gaps in national policy …

The Theatres Trust has released more details of the line up for its conference at Lyric Hammersmith on Tuesday 17 October, which will discuss why and how theatres can engage with the placemaking agenda. Delegate bookings are now open, and there are generous early bird …

In response to a Lord’s question on what proposals the Government has to increase charitable giving from higher-rate tax payers, Lord Ashton of Hyde stated: ‘The Government currently offers several schemes to incentivise higher-rate taxpayers to give. Tax relief is offered when donations are made …

A Private Peers’ Bill, the Bat Habitats Regulation Bill, has been introduced by Lord Cormack ‘to make provision to enhance the protection available for bat habitats in the vicinity of a building site and to limit the protection for bat habitats in buildings used for …

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site remains on the UNESCO World Heritage In Danger List following discussion about how the city is managing its World Heritage Site status. The UK National Commission for UNESCO conducted research in 2015 which found that UK World …

The HLF [Alliance affiliate member] has published research​, undertaken by Locality, examining the extent of the funding HLF has provided for asset transfer projects. The research found that: 33% grant awards incorporate a transfer of the management or the ownership of land or buildings from …

A CIfA [Alliance member] report, funded by Historic England, has reviewed the standard of artefact reporting in England. The project involved the analysis of a sample of 1000 unpublished specialist artefact reports and 61 published specialist artefact reports from journal articles against a checklist of …

The Community Life Survey has been published. The survey provides official statistics on issues including volunteering, giving, community engagement and well-being. In 2016-17, 27% of respondents agreed they could personally influence decisions affecting their local area. This has remained fairly consistent since 2013-14 when 26% …

BT has put forward an offer to voluntarily provide homes and businesses from all parts of the UK with universal high speed broadband. The offer has been received after the Government committed to introduce a Universal Service Obligation (USO) through regulation to give every home …

DEFRA has undertaken a preliminary assessment of the success of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 for submission to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. Among other things the Act established an independent body, Natural England, to bring together the functions of …

We are looking for a co-chair to lead on our learning and skills advocacy group. The co-chair would help set the agenda and would chair the meetings of Alliance members in London around 3 times a year. The group promotes the opportunity for Heritage Alliance …