The Rules We Follow
Governance documents
The downloadable pdf documents on this page explain how the Commission and its advisory committees and panels operate.
Code of practice
The Commissioners have adopted a voluntary code of conduct – the Conduct Guidance for Commissioners – based on the Code of Best Practice issued by HM Treasury for Board Members of NDPBs (non-departmental public bodies).
The guidance brings together key standards and requirements in one document and puts them in the context of Historic England’s business and governance arrangements.
Commission scheme of delegations
The scheme of delegations gives guidance from the Commission to staff on matters that should be reported to the Commission and its advisory committees. It also sets out what matters Commission must authorise and what decisions and actions are delegated to staff.
Terms of reference
The Commission has established a series of non-executive advisory committees that offer expert advice to staff and Commission on various aspects of Historic England's work. The terms of reference set out in broad terms the role of Commission and how its meetings are arranged and organised. The terms of reference for individual committees can be found on the Committee web pages.
Declarations of interest
All Commissioners and members of the advisory committees are required to provide written declarations of interest twice a year. In addition, the Chair invites those present at each meeting to make a declaration in respect of any issues on the agenda in which they have an interest.
The Commission’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee reviews all declarations of interest twice a year. For further information see Section 10 of the Conduct Guidance for Commissioners, which also applies to committee members.
The latest declarations of interest for Commission and the advisory committees can be found on the individual Commission/advisory committee pages.
Whistleblowing and Fraud Reporting
Whistleblowing is the act of reporting wrongdoing or malpractice in the work environment in the wider public interest.
It also covers any incidences of fraud, both against Historic England or by Historic England staff.
If you have concerns you can send anonymous disclosures from any email address to:
[email protected] this email address goes to the General Counsel and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
or, an anonymous written disclosure can be sent to the General Counsel, Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and/or the Head of Internal Audit:
Historic England
4th Floor
Cannon Bridge House
25 Dowgate Hill
London EC4R 2YA
