Icon, the Institute of Conservation, has launched the first UK-wide Heritage and Conservation Science Workforce Survey on behalf of UK Research and Innovation’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS).
This landmark survey represents a major step forward in developing a comprehensive understanding of the people, skills and organisations that make up the UK’s heritage and conservation science community. The evidence gathered will help shape future workforce planning, training provision and strategic investment across the sector.
Heritage and conservation science plays a vital role in understanding, preserving and managing the UK’s cultural heritage spanning work on objects, collections, landscapes and the built environment.
Why this survey matters
Despite its importance, there has not previously been a single UK-wide dataset capturing the size, shape and needs of this multidisciplinary workforce.
This survey aims to:
- Build a clearer understanding of the workforce’s composition, roles and career pathways
- Identify current and emerging skills needs
- Explore access to specialist equipment, facilities and infrastructure
- Highlight key challenges facing employers and practitioners
- Support future strategic investment and policy development across the sector
The findings will help ensure that the UK’s heritage science workforce is resilient, future-ready and equipped to respond to evolving challenges.
Who should take part
Icon is encouraging responses from across the sector, including:
- Individuals engaged in heritage and/or conservation science activity
- Employers of heritage science professionals
- Organisations that commission heritage or conservation science work
If you use science, technology or analytical methods to understand, preserve, manage or engage with heritage, your contribution is important.
The survey covers all areas of practice, including archaeological science and conservation science to built historic environment science, as well as skills, training, career pathways and workforce conditions.
About the survey
Time to complete: Approximately 20 minutes
Deadline: Monday 31 August 2026
Further guidance on the survey is available via Icon’s website.
Have your say
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of heritage science in the UK. By taking part, you will contribute to a stronger evidence base that supports workforce development, skills growth, and long-term investment in the sector.