CIOB Conservation Conference: Engage. Involve. Empower

Caroline has been with CIOB since 2019 and is responsible for the Institute’s leadership, supported by a team of directors and senior staff who are subject matter experts in their field. Caroline also serves as a Director of the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Export & International Trade, a Trustee of CIOB Assist (CIOB’s benevolent fund) and has been appointed as Visiting Professor of Global Engagement and Transformation – Built Environment at Loughborough University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. She also received, in 2023, an Honorary Doctor of Science award from the University of Wolverhampton. Caroline is leading a member-focussed global transformation of the Institute, with the support of CIOB’s Trustee Board. She is particularly interested in the potential of construction to be a force for positive societal change, focussing on driving the cultural shift in EDI, social mobility, worker welfare and in promoting quality and sustainability in construction.

Having begun my career with a degree in art history and archaeology and a Masters in cultural heritage, I have a fairly unique view on the preservation of historic buildings from the perspective of the contractor. 5 years ago, I joined Messenger BCR where I spent my time writing reports to document repairs and learning practical techniques on site.  Not only did I gain an appreciation for the skills that the team have, but it also gave me an understanding of fundamental conservation methods. Now my role as Head of Conservation allows me to combine my background in heritage studies with project management to successfully conduct historic building conservation projects for Messenger. We are very lucky to have such an experienced and talented team, but there is a significant gap in skills due to a lack of sustainable training programmes. We currently take on our own trainees that learn on site from our team, but this is not a solution to fix the endemic problem. I believe that it is a problem that is best solved through collaboration. 

Rebecca joined St Paul’s Cathedral as Director of Property in August 2023. Prior to taking on this role, Rebecca was the Senior Estate Manager for English Heritage, looking after all properties in the North of England. Rebecca is an ambassador for our historic environment, sustainability and climate resilience, and heritage craft skills. She is a Fellow of the CIOB and Past President 2017 - 2018. She is a member and Vice President of IHBC; the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York; the Worshipful Company of Constructors.