TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association) is an international membership organisation dedicated to inspiring and informing best practice design, specification and use of wood in the built environment and related fields.

We pride ourselves in providing independent, authoritative design and technical guidance through this website, on-line software, printed publications, e-books, and our telephone helpline. We link specifiers and purchasers with timber industry members through our Find a supplier directory.

Established in 1959, COTAC’s founding principle was in its recognition of the need for specialists to properly specify and oversee work involved in repairing and conserving historic buildings and churches. Over the years COTAC has persistently and influentially worked to lift standards, develop training qualifications and build networks across the conservation, repair and maintenance sector of the construction industry. As a Charity this has involved working influentially with national agencies, professional and standard setting bodies, educational establishments and training interests.

The Council's 21st century objectives are to advance the education and training of all those involved in the protection and preservation of the historic environment that is of cultural, architectural or historical value, and to provide knowledge in support of training and education in the arts and skills required to protect and preserve it. To advance conservation education and training and support its knowledge base, COTAC will adopt an integrated lay, craft, specialist and professional approach, whilst engaging with a wide range of interested parties to achieve its aims.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is a professional body for construction management and leadership. The institute promotes the science and practice of building and its members work in the development, conservation and improvement of the built environment in the UK and overseas. The CIOB also accredits university degrees, educational courses and training.

The CIOB launched its Building Conservation Certification Scheme in 2017. Members with appropriate qualifications and experience can now be certified at three levels:

Registered - professionals with some experience and knowledge in the area of heritage and conservation;

Proficient - professionals with significant experience of traditional buildings including listed buildings and scheduled monuments;

Certified - experts in the field with a deep understanding of the significance and historic value of buildings and the philosophy of building conservation

Mission Statement - The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation’s diverse historic resources, and advises the President and the Congress on national historic preservation policy.

Who is the ACHP? - The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is an independent federal agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of our nation's historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.