Historic Environment Skills Forum Live 2026

Join us at the magnificent Chester Cathedral on 4th Feb 2026 for the launch of the refreshed HESCAPE (Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan for England) and engage in a number of "How to?" sessions where you co-create the answers!

HESCAPE was published in September 2024 by the Historic Envrionment Skills Forum as a framework for the sector to prioritise action in tackling skills issues and as a tool for collaboration. After a period of bedding in and a review, we are now launcing an updated "version 1.5" which will give greater clarity on action and activity and how you can get involved.

For our annual Skills Forum Workshop this year we are running a number of sessions under the title "How to?"

The aim of these sessions is that, rather than an "expert" coming and telling you how you should do something, participants will discuss and come up with their own responses on "how to do x" themselves.

We will have session Conservation Starters in each group who have some experience in undertaking the topic of discussion who will help guide the conversations but they are not there to give you the answer!

We will run a number of 50 minute How to? sessions concurrantly and repeat them multiple times throughout the day; so you have an opportunity to take part in the sessions that most interest you. Topics will include:

• How to? Move FE colleges from interest to action
• How to? Ensure your core business delivers against skills priorities
• How to? Offer meaningful work experience with minimal hassle
• How to? Source skills funding at a regional level
• How to? Navigate apprenticeship bureaucracy

On the day you can "vote with your feet" and join whichever session most takes your fancy.

You are free to move between sessions as and when you like. If you would like to leave a session at any point during the discussion and join a different session, you are free to do this.

You are welcome to add thoughts or your ideas during a session or you can simply listen to the discussion taking place.

Refreshments on arrival and a light lunch will be provided.

The event is free to attend for any member of the Skills Forum* but there are only 60 spaces available, so book your place quickly!

*If you are not a member of the Skills Forum but want to actively participate in tackling the skills issues for the historic environment sector, you can joing via our online community at https://khub.net/group/skillsforum

Chapter House, Chester Cathedral

St Werburgh Street

Chester

CH1 2DY

The Chapter House of Chester Cathedral dates from the thirteenth-century, and is finished in the Gothic style with Jacobean oak flooring making it a stunning venue for our event.

There is a small step into the Chapter House however temporary ramps can be added to faciliate access.

Rail

Chester Station is the nearest rail station. There is a a taxi rank and several nearby bus stops to bring you to the Cathedral, or you can walk (approx

Bus

Chester's bus exchange serves as a hub to connect all nearby areas and the park and ride system. The exchange is located just a short walk from Chester Cathedral.

Car

Nearest car parks to the Cathedral are at Delamere Street or New Chester Market

There is also a park and ride system in place in Chester.

Disabled Parking

The nearest Blue Badge parking is located at Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3JJ. The Cathedral can be accessed without any steps from this car park.

Info: Choose from the options

Info: Choose from the options

Info: Choose from the options

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Chester Cathedral, Saint Werburgh Street, Chester, United Kingdom

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