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Guidelines and Standards Publications

Front cover for Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings

Our free guidelines and standards help to improve practice in the heritage sector, and to guide decisions that affect the historic environment. They complement our role in providing guidance and advice on heritage topics. Our recent guidelines show the range of subjects we cover, to support our corporate aims. Their purpose is to help archaeological and built heritage specialists, those looking after historic buildings, communities, local authorities and agencies. Search the Publications database to download free copies. Details of draft guidelines open for public comment are on the 'Consultations' page.

Find Guidelines

Search the Publications database for details of current guidelines. Filter your search to the series 'Guidelines and Standards' for a more specific search.

Publications database

Take Part in Consultations

Comment is welcome on our draft guidelines to ensure they are relevant and comprehensive. Find details of forthcoming guidelines.

List of open consultations and forthcoming guidelines

Recent Guidelines

AIM 1: UNDERSTANDING

Archaeological Evidence for Glassworking on recovering and analysing ancient and historic glass
Traversing the Past Use of total station theodolite survey in landscape study
Understanding Place Guidelines on assessing historic areas

AIM 2: VALUING

Listed Building Selection Guides How we select buildings for legal protection
Knowing Your Place Guidance for local communities on preparing local plans
Seeing History in the View Analysing the significance of heritage in views for planning

AIM 3: CARING

Caring for Historic Graveyard and Cemetery Monuments including techniques for recording and conservation
Theft of metal from church buildings in response to recent cases of theft particularly of lead from roofs
The Setting of Heritage Assets Guidance on managing change in the setting of buildings and archaeological sites
Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) Panels and Slates on Listed Places of Worship Guidance for managers of places of worship

AIM 4: ENJOYING

Introductions to Heritage assets Overviews of different types of archaeological asset

AIM 5: EFFICIENCY

Managing Marine Archaeological Geophysical Survey Projects Part of the MoRPHE project management series