The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 349 (ISO/TC 349) on Conservation of Cultural Heritage is developing international standards for conservation practice. These standards will influence how conservation is practiced, taught, and resourced globally and in Australia — facilitating international collaboration on conservation projects, enabling Australian conservators to work internationally with recognised qualifications and methods, and supporting the movement of cultural materials for exhibitions and research.

ISO/TC 349 Scope: Standardisation of terminology, technologies, materials and equipment for the monitoring, evaluation, preservation, and restoration of cultural heritage. (Excludes: ISO/TC 36 Cinematography, ISO/TC 42 Photography, and ISO/TC 46 Information and Documentation).

Australia currently holds ‘O’ (observing member) status through Standards Australia until such time that a ‘P’ (participating member) status is held. This page will be updated accordingly. Holding ‘P’ status requires active engagement in standards development, which Australia will fulfil through a newly formed Standards Australia mirror committee, comprised of nominated organisations including the AICCM. This Working Group exists to ensure that Australian conservation expertise and perspectives inform international standards for the conservation of cultural heritage.

We aim to do this by:

  • Reviewing draft standards and compiling consolidated Australian responses for Standards Australia
  • Identifying Australian conservation and heritage professionals to participate in relevant standards development through subject matter expert registration
  • Building awareness of ISO standards development within the Australian conservation community
  • Facilitating knowledge exchange between Australian and international conservation colleagues
  • Advising AICCM National Council on strategic priorities for ISO engagement

(The Working Group meets monthly and reports to AICCM National Council.)

Chair: Heather Bleechmore Deputy Chair: Erina McCann Secretary: Lauren Curless
Core Members: Alis Jitarescu, Danni Lin, Isabelle Waters, Joanna Lang, Lily Bennion, Nicole Tse

Questions? Contact Heather Bleechmore at heather.bleechmore@aiccm.org.au

Register as a Subject Matter Expert

We are building a register of Australian conservation professionals with specialised expertise who can be consulted to review draft standards in their areas of practice. If you’re interested, we want to hear from you.

Time commitment: Occasional (typically 4–6 weeks when a relevant standard is circulated for review, 1–2 times per year depending on your expertise).

To register, please provide the following information to contact@aiccm.org.au:

  • Your name and contact details
  • Your specific area of expertise, experience, and qualifications

(Once registered, you’ll be added to our SME list and contacted when a relevant standard is circulated for review.)

Page last updated: 21 September 2026