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Member Code of Conduct

Heritage Trust Network objects

The Network is established to promote and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of voluntary, not-for-profit and charitable organisations involved in the preservation, restoration, reuse and management of historic buildings and spaces for the public benefit. Heritage Trust Network’s Articles of Association set out in detail the objects and powers of the Network.   

In its work the organisation will meet and promote these common aims: 

  • To encourage the formation of voluntary, not-for-profit and charitable organisations to rescue, regenerate and manage historic buildings and sites
  • To encourage a wider range of people to become involved in community-led heritage regeneration
  • To value and promote the contribution that the rescue of historic buildings and sites can bring to sustainable regeneration and the creation of an enhanced quality of life for local communities
  • To encourage member organisations to produce exemplary schemes that preserve and enhance the architectural and historic qualities of historic buildings and spaces while delivering multiple benefits for their communities
  • To promote respect between member organisations, other local and national organisations, funders, supporters, and the communities they serve

Ambassadors for our Network

Every member of Heritage Trust Network is an ambassador for the Network and community-led heritage in general. It is expected that members promote themselves, other members, and the Network in a positive and inclusive way to each other and to other people and organisations. 

Members undertaking campaigning and lobbying activity should be particularly mindful of the need to take a constructive approach so that people working in the public and private sectors and elected representatives develop a positive view of community heritage organisations.

A mutually supportive and inclusive network 

Heritage Trust Network was founded on principles of peer support and co-operation. It will encourage members to devote time to assist and advise other members where they can. 

The Network seeks to be inclusive in all of its activities, whether in person or digital. We actively seek to engage a more diverse range of people in our activities, the activities of our members and the wider heritage sector. This approach is explained in more detail in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

The Network expects members to engage with other members and partner organisations and individuals in an inclusive, positive and constructive spirit. We will not tolerate abuse or language or behaviour that is offensive or discriminatory.  

While the Network will identify a primary contact in each member organisation for administrative purposes, members should encourage all relevant staff, trustees and volunteers to engage with the Network and its activities. Volunteering with the Network is a positive way for individuals to extend their learning, build their networks and progress their careers. 

Network staff 

Staff (supported by trustees, other volunteers and sub-contractors) will act courteously towards members at all times and do their best to meet their needs in terms of advice, information and access to events, activities and contacts both digitally and in-person.  

Staff time is finite, and members should understand that there will be limits to the services the Network can offer. Non-paying members (Connect and Student) should appreciate that the service the Network can offer them will be less than that offered to paying members.  

Members should act courteously to staff at all times and avoid language or behaviour that is offensive, discriminatory or causes undue stress.  

Withdrawal of service or membership 

The Network reserves the right to refuse to deal with any individual (or in certain circumstances a member organisation as a whole) either temporarily or permanently, or to suspend or terminate membership, if their behaviour is deemed inappropriate or brings the Network into disrepute. 

Avoiding and resolving disputes 

The Network’s Connect, Network and Network plus categories of membership include organisations with a mix of national, regional, local and site-specific remits. There is potential for overlap. Members in these categories are expected to avoid encroaching on the territory or business objectives of other members without prior agreement. Staff and trustees of the Network will work to facilitate co-operation and avoid competition. The Network’s Partner and Partner Plus members are businesses competing in the market to provide services to the heritage sector. Where competition does occur it should be conducted in a positive spirit.  

Every effort should be made to resolve any disputes in a manner that demonstrates respect for others in the Network and its staff. By adopting the above values it is expected that members will be able to resolve issues, if any arise, through direct discussion between the parties concerned. Should that fail, the members concerned should contact the Network’s Chief Executive or Chair. In the first instance they will seek to resolve matters informally. If this is not possible, they may convene a more formal investigation involving trustees. Members are expected to assist fully and provide any necessary information to facilitate such a process.