The ISSE was formed from a number of preservation associations in the 1970's.  The strongest of these groups survived and amalgamated to form one body which then became known as the Association of Remedial Treatment Surveyors, later becoming the Institute of Remedial Treatment Surveyors. In 2005 the IRTS changed its name to the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers in order to embrace enviromental and specialist building engineers.  

The granting of 'Institute' status is a long process of validation by a Secretary of State. It is not lightly conferred upon any group or association. The term itself is rightly reserved for those organisations which can meet the high expectations required of them in upholding professional standards and providing training and qualifications. The ISSE meet all of these requirements and in addition undertakes original research in order to validate current products and procedures but also identify alternatives where these can be improved or even created in the first place.    

The ISSE is now the 32nd Full Member of the UK Construction Industry Council with two seats on the governing Council. The CIC is the representative body of the 500,000 leading professionals within the UK construction industry and is the advisory body for government policy in the sector.

Specialist Expertise -

While the remit of the ISSE appears to be a narrow specialist niche it is in fact a wide and deep field which requires considerable experience and training in its approach. Taking into account conservation, from an understanding and knowledge of heritage construction methods, for example, cruck frame and ring beam properties of the Tudor Era, through to modern cavity walls constructed with cement, brick, timber or steel frame.

Underlying many problems is the presence of moisture in a closed environment which occurs in two ways -

1)    within the internal volume and micro climate of a building structure,

2)    within the structural materials and elements of the building itself caused by inadequate or defective construction, including roof  covering, guttering, drainage, ground levels, ground and masonry salts, negligence in design and construction, wear and tear through age and use.

Both require an holistic multi-disciplined approach, knowledge and expertise.

Building preservation is the identification of causes of dampness in masonry and decay in the timber of buildings. Remedial treatments encompass recommendations for the control of timber decay caused by fungal growth and insect attack, dampness and its minimisation or elimination.

An essential part of remedial treatments includes a thorough understanding of moisture ingress pathways, ventilation, flooding, conservation, waterproofing, toxins in building materials, fittings and furnishings, design including building regulations and structural repair. This understanding must embrace remedial measures and methods of repair and reinstatement.

Often defective design has contributed to the causes of decay and the specialist surveyor must have a good understanding of general surveying too in order to underpin the holistic approach required. Over and above that the responsible and pro active surveyor should also be able to challenge design and construction methods in order to identify negligence and latent defects.

Research, Development and Training 

Residential training seminars, courses and awards for each main category of Building Preservation are currently available by arrangement and a specialist accreditation and awarding body are working with the ISSE in producing a series of courses which will be credit bearing towards a certificate and diploma. The basic Certificate in Specialist Surveying (Cert.SSE) is designed as a platform on which to build expertise with a number of additional awards and will be combined with these leading to the proposed ISSE Diploma in Specialist Surveying (Dip.SSE ) and beyond. Access to the Certificate SSE is via student or  surveyor membership. 

While surveyors need to develop and demonstrate expertise, technicians employed to implement the works also need to be trained and supported. The ISSE have developed unique training and qualifications leading to the award of Technician of the ISSE (Tech.Inst.SSE) and Engineer of the ISSE (Eng.Inst.SSE). Access to these awards is via the apprentice or technician membership scheme. 

As an Institute the ISSE maintain an interest in original research to raise standards by improved knowledge, materials and procedures.

Our CPD partner, University of Liverpool, undertakes original research on materials and services with the ISSE and our first seminar presented by the University is to be held  Spring 2012 - attendance by pre paid ticket.

The ISSE work with other Universities and organisations in order to research and develop new products such as nanotechnology stone and timber preservatives, nano building monitoring systems and green reclaimed building products to displace plasterboard in construction and sand and cement in remedial works - especially in heritage buildings.  

Implementing and Raising Standards  

The ISSE have recently launched a pilot ISSE Approved Contractor Scheme in selected parts of the UK and approved scheme members are able to offer clients the benefits of ISSE trained and qualified surveyors and technicians with a unique ISSE backed guarantee.

Regional Meetings

Regional and national meetings are held and a list of meetings and venues can be viewed on this site. Anyone interested in attending meetings or joining the ISSE please contact us.  

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