Formed in 1959, 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 Council's related website, understandingconservation.org will continue to be freely available as a COTAC on-line personal learning resource for those wishing to develop and further their conservation knowledge and skills.