Criteria for inclusion in the Conservation Register

  1. The applicant (the owner or manager of the conservation practice) should be an accredited member of a professional body or association approved by the Conservation Register Advisory Board (see note 1 at foot of page).

  2. The applicant should be able to demonstrate that he or she has continued to develop his or her professional competence following initial training (see note 2 at foot of page).
  3. If the applicant employs staff, employees must be supervised in accordance with their experience.
  4. Records of condition and conservation treatments must be made and provided to the owner of an item. (Where these records form part of the contract with the client they should be retained in accordance with statutory requirements.)
  5. The practice must maintain suitable insurance cover against all risks appropriate to its operations. Unless insurance cover for objects in their care is included as part of the conservator’s insurance policy, clients should be routinely advised in writing that such insurance is their responsibility.
  6. The practice must meet all current Health and Safety legislation including the completion of risk assessments for all processes undertaken.
  7. Practice accounts and records must be maintained in accordance with statutory requirements.
  8. Referees must be provided for four separate projects/objects conserved. All the referees must confirm that the applicant offers a conservation service of good standard in an efficient and professional manner.

Note 1
The Conservation Register Advisory Board recognises accreditation by the following professional bodies and associations:

  • British Association of Paintings Conservator-Restorers (BAPCR) - fellow
  • British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association (BAFRA) - full and full specialist member
  • British Horological Institute (BHI) - accredited member (through PACR* scheme)
  • Institute of Conservation - accredited member (through PACR* scheme)
  • Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works in Ireland (ICHAWI) - accredited member
  • The Archives and Records Association (ARA) - accredited member (through PACR* scheme)

Note 2
The Conservation Register Advisory Board may contact the applicant's professional body or association at any time for proof of continuing professional development.

* PACR - Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers. Please see the Guidance section for further information.