About COTAC

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.
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COTAC is a UK registered charity No 1162750. The charitable purposes of COTAC are as follows:

  • Set, maintain and promote standards for conservation education and training;
  • Develop, produce and promote education and training materials:
  • Collaborate with other organisations, voluntary bodies and agencies with interests in conservation with a view to influencing and promoting relevant issues;
  • Maintain and develop the council's digital resources to ensure their relevance for the sector and the public;
  • Promote courses at all levels in conservation of the historic environment which are relevant and in accordance with recognised criteria;
  • Publish relevant material;
  • Arrange seminars, conferences and participate in exhibitions relating to relevant heritage issues;
  • Provide bursaries and other support for relevant studies and course attendance.

As COTAC has progressed its activities it has adopted the following key publications, standards and initiatives to underpin its day-to-day operations:

  • ICOMOS Education and Training Guidelines (1993)
  • ICOMOS CIF Capacity Building (2013)
  • BS7913: 2013 Guide to the conservation of historic buildings (2013)
  • Edinburgh Group Terms of Reference (2016).

Supporting and influencing the Conservation, Repair and Maintenance construction industry sector, COTAC’s current priority Objectives include on-line developments in:

  • Education and training
  • Standards
  • Advocacy
  • Digital resources
  • Publication
  • Courses
  • News
  • Events
COTAC

The Building Crafts College, Kennard Road, Stratford, London E15 1AH


UK registered charity 1162750    telephone 020 8522 1705 email info@cotac.global