2.3 Completing the Testimonial DO: DO NOT: Be concise. Do not repeat yourself, or affirm competence without offering evidence. Use a computer or type your application. Do not submit hand-written forms. Be specific about your own conservation actions, responsibilities and outcomes. Do not rely on job titles etc., or like ‘involved with’, without specifying your role. Be explicit: You could say something like: 'My knowledge of the philosophy of conservation is based on a detailed understanding gained through conservation course training at the University of Westingham’s IHBC recognised conservation course [WEB LINK]. I have applied the conservation principles learned there most effectively in Do not refer only to your experience, for example as follows: 'Twenty years as a staff member in our national heritage agency, and ten as senior conservation officer leading a team of five, all rounded off with the recent successful completion of an conservation course, demonstrate categorically that I must be fully
my contribution to the team that worked on the extension to the local library in Westingham village nearby (see Supporting Information Case 1, Illus. 1). Here the client had considered that a modern interpretation of the historic fabric would be more likely to succeed under planning policy. As the streetscape was characterised by diverse architectural styles of variable quality, when leading discussions with the Conservation Officer and planners I was able to introduce SPAB principles to justify... etc. conversant with all aspects of conservation philosophy.' OR: ‘See my attached portfolio for the £2m extension to the Grade I listed library that was supported by English Heritage and the local authority, and won 3 national awards. It was a challenging project, but it demonstrates effectively my informed and skilled approach to conservation and my professional dedication to, and command of, historic environment conservation.’ Be clear in the evidence you use to support and inform cases and projects. Evidence MUST be verifiable, but all information does not need to be Do not presume that inclusion of information on your work constitutes a demonstration of competence. Examples should make specific and
included. Reference to websites and other source material is useful if assessors want further detail, and can be included in relevant annexes. explicit reference to an aspect of your work in the context of the competence under discussion, and be represented by case or project evidence. Include an IHBC CPD form or relevant log book of work or equivalent, as supporting evidence. Do not just rely on your CV: information relevant to the testimonial should be included within the application. Refer to your personal contributions and duties when evidence relates to team-work. Do not refer generally to a team project without specifying your contribution. Underpin your statements with verifiable project information, references and evidence, either in the text or annexes, but do not evidence or cases without explaining its relevance. Do not forget that statements on your work are no more than anecdotes without supporting evidence, and assessors cannot use anecdotes to assess competence.