Code of Conduct

1. Respect & Inclusivity

   The Guild has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, bullying, or harassment on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, religion, background, or difference of opinion. Members must engage in open discussion respectfully: healthy debate is welcomed, but disagreements must never become personal, aggressive, or exclusionary. All members will treat one another with dignity, fairness, and courtesy, ensuring the Guild remains a safe and welcoming space for all.

2. Welfare of Birds of Prey

   The welfare of raptors must always come first. Members will follow the highest standards of husbandry, training, and management of birds of prey, and no bird should be subjected to cruelty, neglect, or inappropriate use. Members must comply fully with all UK laws and government regulations concerning the keeping, breeding, movement, and hunting of birds of prey. This includes:

   • Registering birds with the Independent Bird Register (IBR) or other relevant bodies.
   • Observing all legal requirements relating to disease prevention, including compliance with avian influenza (bird flu) regulations.
   • Ensuring all permits, licences, and records are kept accurate and up to date.

   Members are expected to uphold these standards at all times to protect both captive and wild populations of raptors.

3. Conservation & Responsibility

   The Guild actively supports the conservation of wild raptors in the UK and globally. Members are expected to promote awareness of raptor protection and responsible field practices. Illegal activities such as egg theft, persecution, or unlicensed trapping will not be tolerated.

4. Events & Gatherings

   Members attending Guild events must ensure their birds are healthy, properly equipped, and safely tethered or transported. Fieldcraft days, training events, and gatherings must be conducted in line with risk assessments and welfare standards, and alcohol or substances that impair judgement are not permitted when handling birds. Members attending events and gatherings must always remember they are ambassadors for falconry and responsible bird keeping, and conduct themselves accordingly.

5. Representation of the Guild

   Members are ambassadors of the Guild and are expected to uphold its reputation. Online behaviour, such as on social media, must be respectful and not bring the Guild into disrepute. Members engaging with the media or public must reflect the Guild’s ethos of inclusivity, heritage, and conservation.

6. Conflicts & Complaints

   Disputes between members should be resolved respectfully and, if needed, raised to the Committee. A formal complaints process will be available for serious breaches, and the Committee has the right to suspend or terminate membership if this Code is violated.

7. Commitment to Learning & Heritage

   Members are encouraged to share knowledge, mentor others, and celebrate the living tradition of falconry. The Guild supports the UK’s application for falconry to be recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and members are expected to contribute positively to this ethos.

Equality & Anti-Discrimination

The Guild complies with the Equality Act 2010. No member, volunteer, attendee or applicant shall be discriminated against, harassed, or victimised on the grounds of any protected characteristic: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation.