Matthew Slocombe

Britain's oldest heritage body, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has announced that it has appointed a new director, Matthew Slocombe. Matthew will succeed Philip Venning when he retires next year. Philip will retire after 28 years as SPAB Secretary.

Matthew's title will differ from that of his predecessor. The Society consider the role to be key to the success of the company, and believe that the title of 'Director' better communicates the scope and nature of the position.

Matthew, 44, has worked for SPAB for 20 years. He was first employed as Head Caseworker, moving on from a similar role at The Georgian Group. Since 1995 he has been SPAB's Deputy Secretary (and Company Secretary since 2005) and is widely known throughout the heritage sector through the many committees and panels on which he is a member and advisor - notably as Secretary of the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies, and as a member of the new National Heritage Protection Plan Advisory Board.

Matthew says: "I am delighted that SPAB's trustees have given me this opportunity. My aim as Director will be to demonstrate the continuing relevance of SPAB ideas, with their emphasis on practicality. The Society's common sense approach to old buildings, coupled with its enthusiasm for creative new design and its cutting edge research into energy efficiency, puts SPAB at the forefront of 21st century building conservation."