Activities

Blue Shield UK works in six key areas of activity, as set by the international Board of the Blue Shield Movement. We work to realise these areas of activity in the UK context, in line with our strategic plan.

Legal compliance, policy and their implementation:
We aim to

encourage better UK implementation of the 1954 Hague Convention
act as a source of advice and support in the UK regarding illicit trafficking and illicit trafficking legislation

A plaque with a brass plate attached and an inscription

Flood plaque, Goldcliff Parish Church, Wales - a flood of approximately 5 feet occurred in 1606 (modern calendar 30th January 1607), causing extensive damage and drowning residents.
By Robin Drayton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Proactive protection and risk preparedness:
Our work covers two core areas. We are working to

Improve UK preparedness for disasters and climate change, according to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals
Implement the peacetime safeguarding requirements of the 1954 Hague Convention to better prepare for crisis (including conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest)

Emergency response:

Monitor threats to UK heritage
Work with national partners to identify the roles and responsibilities for the national Blue Shield committee to aid in emergency response

Stabilisation, post-disaster recovery, & long-term /ongoing activities:

Provide support to BSI and colleagues in areas affected by crisis as needed

Capacity building activities, education and training:
We

Support the British Army Cultural Property Protection Unit as required
Deliver public lectures to raise awareness of the risks posed by conflict, climate change, and disaster
Provide advice and support in our areas of work

Peter Stone, (then) Chair of BSUK and Irina Bokova (then) Director-General of UNESCO advocating at a Chatham House event on cultural property protection, 2015. © BSUK

Co-ordination – of Blue Shield members and with partner organisations:

Build relations with partner organisations
Coordinate with heritage institutions in UK dependencies as needed
Ensure our membership covers all aspects of heritage, and maintain our links with our founding organisations (ICA, ICOM, ICOMOS, IFLA)
Hold regular meetings of the UK National Committee, bringing together our network

This work is realised through our expert working groups:
- Climate Change -
- Conflict & Military Activity -
- Emergency Planning & Response -
- Illicit Trafficking -
- Intangible Cultural Heritage -
- Underwater Heritage -

Learn more about the Blue Shield Activities, Training, and Missions by visiting the BSI website.

Learn more about the other Blue Shield National Committees around the world and their Activities on the BSI website.