Technical Excellence in Professional Audio-Visual Engineering

Any architecturally or acoustically demanding building that requires sound or communication systems benefits from early input by experienced audio specialists. Careful product selection, sympathetic system design and a clear understanding of standards are essential when installing or upgrading systems in historic and sensitive environments.

The Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (ISCVE) is a specialist learned society and professional body for sound and communications engineers. Founded in 1948, ISCVE is an entirely independent institute, governed by a Council elected by its members. All members work to a professional code of conduct, reflecting high ethical standards and a commitment to environmental, social and cultural responsibility.

Expertise in Places of Worship

Places of worship are particularly challenging acoustic environments. High reverberation times can severely affect speech intelligibility, making sermons, readings and announcements difficult to understand for many congregants.

While assistive listening systems such as induction loops have significantly improved access for people who are hard of hearing, achieving clear, intelligible sound for the wider congregation requires careful system design, correct installation and ongoing maintenance - especially in historic buildings where architectural constraints must be respected.

ISCVE members work across public address, voice alarm, audio-frequency induction loop systems, audio-visual integration and acoustics. Their expertise enables them to design and deliver solutions that improve clarity and usability while remaining visually discreet and appropriate for listed and heritage buildings.

Working with Accredited Professionals

ISCVE membership includes consultants, manufacturers and specialist installers who regularly collaborate with churches, clients and architectural advisors to develop solutions for even the most demanding spaces. Many ISCVE installer members have experience working in hundreds of places of worship across different faiths, offering tailored services that address intelligibility, accessibility, reliability and long-term care.

Access to professionally recognised specialists in most areas of the UK is available through the ISCVE website, helping churches and heritage organisations identify competent, accredited professionals for their projects.

Accessibility, Standards and Best Practice

ISCVE also operates an approved Hearing Loop Assessment Scheme, providing churches and organisations with access to competent individuals and companies who can test and assess induction loop systems for correct operation and performance. With ageing congregations and increased awareness of inclusive design, ensuring assistive listening systems are correctly installed and maintained is more important than ever.

Advances in modern audio technology now allow many long-standing challenges - such as feedback, poor microphone pickup, lack of intelligibility and complex system operation -to be significantly reduced when systems are designed and installed by experienced professionals.

Find a Registered and Accredited Specialist

Churches and heritage organisations looking to install, upgrade or assess sound and communication systems are encouraged to work with registered, accredited ISCVE members who understand both the technical and architectural demands of historic environments.

Find an ISCVE Member or Registered Installer via the ISCVE directory: https://iscve.org.uk/members-directory/