Schemes of delegation and framework

Our Schemes of Delegation contain the functions which Scottish Ministers have delegated to Historic Environment Scotland, alongside the conditions and limits that apply to the delegation.

They incorporate work undertaken through our Estate Management Programme, which has developed the policies and procedures we need to have in place as HES.

The schemes provide a process for informing and updating Scottish Ministers about our work and improved transparency in our working practices. They also showcase for the value of what we do.

They will also lead to new systems for inspection and recording, more formal technical standards and specification frameworks, and external peer review. The schemes give us the opportunity to look at what we could be doing better in terms of piloting new and innovative initiatives.

This document defines our purpose and relationship to the Scottish Government, and sets out a broad framework for how we operate.

Drawn up by the Scottish Government in consultation with the Historic Environment Scotland Board, it includes details on our strategic aims and objectives, governance, accountability and auditing and reporting procedures.

This policy outlines how we will provide advice to Scottish Ministers when there has been a request to take a property into, or out of state care. It details our principles when considering a proposed acquisition or release along with the assessment criteria.