Code of Conduct

Purpose

As a registered charity BALH is required by the Charity Commission to ensure its governance arrangements are in accordance with its stated objectives and that its policies are clear and effective. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the behaviour expected of those involved in any capacity with BALH in the objective set out in our Constitution to ‘promote the advancement of public education through the study of local history’. These include trustees, committee members, contracted service providers and those involved on behalf of BALH in any business within BALH and in relationships with other partners or organisations. This Code does not relate to professional standards (such as allegations of plagiarism, defamation, corruption, etc.) which should be dealt with between institutions and individuals.

Standard expectation

The Code of Conduct of the British Association for Local History sets out certain basic principles intended to help BALH members maintain high standards of ethical conduct. It is expected that all those involved with BALH accept these standards in relation to their responsibilities to the Association. This Code of Conduct establishes the principles for all BALH members to adhere to but may not cover every issue that may arise. This Code encourages trust and respect from BALH members and non-members involved in our activities.

Those involved in BALH activities must:

• Seek to promote the objects of the Association as set out in its Constitution and engage in no action which is contrary to those objects.
• Act in accordance with accepted principles and practices for a registered charity.
• Perform their duties and functions in accordance with the Association’s policies and procedures especially with regard to fairness, justice and integrity.
• Respect the individual and collective rights to privacy and maintain confidentiality in compliance with UK law and regulations, complying with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and any other legislation.
• Be able to justify and show evidence of their actions, especially with regard to financial arrangements and benefits.
• Derive no advantage for themselves or others through their BALH involvement including no financial benefit or otherwise to the detriment of colleagues or partners.
• Refrain from activities or behaviour which might prejudice their integrity, objectivity and impartiality.
• Cause no injury or insult to others through their involvement in BALH activity.
• Avoid activities that create or give the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Prevent their private interests affecting their performance of BALH roles.

Those involved in BALH activities should:

• Facilitate the work of the Association in ways which maintain and enhances its reputation.
• Work co-operatively with all colleagues and partners involved in BALH activity.
• Avoid conflict and resolve difficulties by adherence to relevant policies and procedures.
• Co-operate with others on the basis of mutual respect and understanding.

Members of BALH are encouraged to:

• Advance public knowledge and understanding of local history and endeavour not to conduct any research or other activity detrimental to this aim.
• Aid and support fellow members in their professional development.
• Be honest and accurate in representing their qualifications, knowledge, skill, training and experience and take reasonable steps to ensure that their qualifications and competencies are not misrepresented by themselves or others.
• Be honest and accurate in conveying professional conclusions, opinions, and research findings.

Non-adherence to this Code:

Where there is evidence of behaviours contrary to the Code, such cases will be investigated and procedures adopted which could range from reminders and training to exclusion from BALH activities.

Adopted: December 2020

Review: December 2023, or as necessary