RICHeS appoints Icon to deliver its first UK-wide Heritage Science Workforce Survey
The Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS), on behalf of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), is delighted to announce that Icon, the Institute of Conservation has been appointed to deliver a new comprehensive labour survey of the heritage and conservation science workforce.
This landmark initiative will establish a robust, UK-wide evidence base on workforce composition, skills, training pathways, and sector challenges supporting future strategy, investment and long-term resilience across the heritage science sector.
Why this survey matters
Heritage and conservation science plays a vital role in the care, understanding and interpretation of the UK’s cultural assets from historic buildings and landscapes, to museum collections and archives. As reported by Historic England in August 2024, the wider heritage sector supports over 200,000 jobs and contributes £44.9 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy. Despite its significance, the sector faces growing pressures including skills gaps, regional disparities and the rapidly evolving impacts of digital technologies and artificial intelligence that are reshaping workforce needs.
This survey will provide the first truly national picture of the heritage science workforce, offering critical insights into capacity, capability, diversity and future skills requirements.
Professor Meggen Gondek, Head of RICHeS IHQ said:
“Understanding who works in heritage science and the challenges they face is essential for securing the sector’s future. This survey will provide the evidence we need to make informed decisions on investment and workforce planning.”
What will this project deliver
Running from March 2026 to January 2027, Icon will deliver a comprehensive programme of research, including:
· A large-scale quantitative survey generating statistically robust data across the sector
· Targeted qualitative research, including focus groups and interviews, to capture lived experiences and professional perspectives
· In-depth analysis of workforce size, skills, training needs, pay, job security and structural inequalities
· Integration with existing UK labour market data and previous sector studies to provide wider context
The final report will be made publicly available and will serve as a vital resource for policymakers, funders, organisations and practitioners across the heritage and conservation landscape.
This project will engage a broad range of organisations and individuals, from Higher Education Institutions, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) organisations, public sector bodies, to commercial operators and charitable organisations, ensuring the findings are comprehensive and representative.
Emma Jhita, Icon CEO said:
” This survey is a pivotal step in strengthening the future of heritage and conservation science in the UK. Icon is delighted to have been appointed by RICHeS to lead this work and to collaborate with practitioners, researchers and organisations across the country to build a robust evidence base that will inform skills development, investment and long‑term resilience for the sector ”
Looking ahead
Alongside the research, there will be opportunities for the sector to engage with the project, including a planned webinar and stakeholder activities to share early insights and encourage participation.
RICHeS is delighted that Icon brings ambitious plans to connect with communities across the UK, ensuring the survey reflects the full breadth and diversity of the heritage science workforce. Further details on how to get involved will be shared soon.
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