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.

Chris Oldham is Senior Policy and Programme Manager in the City of London Corporation’s Skills Policy Team, and Programme Lead for the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce. The Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce aims to address green skills gaps across the full project lifecycle of sustainable commercial buildings in Central London boroughs, via its Skyline Skills Hub resource to promote green skills best practice.  Previously, Chris has held various education and strategy roles at the City Corporation, and at the Railway Industry Association. He is also an Army Reservist and a volunteer mentor and mental wellbeing counsellor.  

Scott is Director of Pvotal Consultancy Ltd - working with several high-profile Industry, NGOs and Academic organisations to provide innovative,practical, tactical and integrative based Built Heritage solutions. He has worked in the Built Heritage sector for over 38 years, across a number of roles - from apprentice stonemason to a historic building contractor to lecturer to researcher.  Scott advises on several UK construction industry leadership groups on innovation, skills, and health and safety actions. He is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), Fellow of the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (FIKE), as well as a member of the Institute of Historic Building Consultants (IHBC), The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), and a member of CIF - International Scientific Committee of ICOMOS on Education and Training, as well as  a reviewer for nominations for the UNESCO World Heritage List. He combines this with being on the Scottish IHBC branch committee and a trustee for Glasgow City Heritage Trust. He has an PhD in Construction Project Management focused on system thinking, and digital innovation within the Built Heritage. He has published a number of academic and industry articles along with being a reviewer for I.C.E Management, Procurement and Law and Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science

Stewart has 25 years’ experience surveying historic buildings. He leads an in-house team of surveyors, architects and engineers at English Heritage who provide professional advice of a portfolio of over 5,500 built structures across 420 significance monuments. He has managed complex maintenance contracts and delivered significant conservation projects, with high profile stakeholders, at the London Palaces for The Royal Household. At the National Trust, he led on providing conservation expertise and investing in the future of the Assistant Building Surveying cohort. Stewart is a Certified Practitioner and Assessor for the CIOB Conservation scheme. With an MSc in the Conservation of the Historic Environment, he is both a Chartered Construction Manager and Building Surveyor. 

Daahir Mohamed is a skilled plasterer and heritage conservationist specializing in lime renders and plasters. A passionate advocate for the power of craft to connect people across cultures and histories, Daahir continues to push the boundaries of conservation work, blending tradition with innovation. Originally from Mogadishu, Somalia, Daahir’s early exposure to traditional building materials and techniques—such as clay plastering—shaped his lifelong passion for sustainable, culturally-connected craftsmanship. After relocating to the UK, Daahir began his career in construction, later specializing in plastering and establishing his own business, Amar Eco Plaster. His expertise grew through the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Fellowship, where he deepened his knowledge of lime plaster and its application in
heritage conservation. Daahir’s work is deeply informed by his cross-cultural experiences. His commitment to preserving the built environment extends beyond technical skill; he is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the conservation sector. Daahir piloted introductory, experience based courses in lime plastering aimed at refugees and asylum seekers. He is now developing a series of courses and long term training programmes that provide a pathway to careers in heritage conservation while connecting diverse communities to both local and global cultural heritage. 

James is a CARE Accredited Chartered Structural and Civil Engineer, and Managing Director of GCA Consulting. His award winning work on new-build and historic buildings includes projects for the National Trust and Crown Estates, and a range of public and private clients across the UK. 

Throughout his four decade-long career with Selectaglaze, Colin has supported a multitude of architects, main contractors and clients with heritage solutions that combine brilliant design with high performance. He worked on thousands of window retrofit projects spanning a variety of sectors. His library of case studies includes bespoke secondary glazing solutions for the Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, University of London, UCL and many of the London Estates including Grosvenor, Cadogan, Portman to name a few...Colin delivers a variety of CPD sessions and is particularly passionate about sharing his knowledge on how secondary glazing can help improve energy efficiency and support the sustainability agenda. Strong advocate of cross-company collaboration and experienced construction expert, Colin will always encourage early involvement in the design process to support architects and main contractors in workshopping sensitive retrofit solutions that respect the heritage whilst meeting modern requirements and capturing all practical considerations. 

After 20 years’ experience, Dan built his first UAS (drone) in 2012. He became BNUC qualified in 2013 and formed his own drone imaging company, Skyco Imaging three months later.  Dan designed and built the very first Unmanned Aerial Precision Sprayer POC in 2016. He was recruited by Railscape as Technology and Innovation Lead and now heads up Railscape Technologies, Railscape’s R&D subsidiary. RST is currently working on all the projects that make up Railscape’s Remote Spraying Suite as well as ROV based projects around wet & dry confined space inspection. Dan is leading on new innovative trials planned on English Heritage sites in 2025

Steven is a seasoned technology and media specialist dedicated to helping businesses realize cost-effective, forward-thinking growth strategies. With a focus on design, innovation, and the natural world, he transforms technological visionary aspirations into tangible, practical solutions. Steven leverages his comprehensive background to deliver bespoke technological solutions that empower businesses to grow and innovate. Steven is supporting two new creative pieces of work for English Heritage mapping earth erosion on Hillforts and unwanted plant growth to monuments.