The Rules We Follow

Governance Documents

The downloadable pdf documents on this page explain how the Commission of English Heritage and its advisory committees and panels operate.

Code of Practice
The Commissioners have adopted a voluntary Code of Conduct based on the Code of Best Practice issued by HM Treasury for Board Members of NDPBs (Non-Departmental Public Bodies). The Code includes the following:

• Public Service Values
• Relationship with DCMS
• Role of the Chairman
• Corporate and individual responsibilities of Commissioners
• Personal liabilities and conflicts of interest
• Delegation and strategic planning/control
• Openness and Accountability for public funds
• Annual reporting and accounts
• The role of the Chief Executive (including role of NDPB accounting officers)
• The Commission as employer

Download the code of practice as a pdf.

Standing Orders
The Standing Orders of the Commission and its Committees and panels are a guide which give procedural advice on how formal meetings are arranged and organised.
Download the standing orders as a pdf.

Scheme of Delegations
The Scheme of Delegations gives guidance from the Commission to staff on matters that should be reported to the Commission, its Advisory Committees and Panels as well. it also sets out what matters Commission must authorise and what decisions and actions are delegated to staff.
Download the scheme of delegations as a pdf.

Terms of Reference
The Commission has established a series of non-executive advisory committees and panels which offer expert advice to staff and Commission on various aspects of English Heritage's work. The Terms of Reference set out in broad terms what each of these bodies do.
Download the terms of reference as a pdf.

Declarations of interest
All members of the Commission and Committees are required to provide written declarations of interest on an annual basis. In addition, at each meeting the Chairman invites those present to make a declaration in respect of any issues on the agenda in which they have an interest. The Commission’s Audit Committee reviews all declarations of interest twice a year. For further information see page 5 of the Commissioners code of practice which also applies to Committee and Panel members.

The Register of Commissioners' interests is open to the public and may be consulted by contacting the Commission Secretariat Manager by email at secretariat@english-heritage.org.uk or by phoning 020 7973 3243.