Public Statements Policy
1. Purpose and Context
1.1. The Housing Studies Association (the Association) is dedicated to advancing housing-related research, education, and practice. As the leading learned society for housing studies, we foster a dynamic and inclusive network that connects researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners across disciplines. We champion rigorous scholarship, support the exchange of ideas, and drive innovation in housing studies to inform policy and practice. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we strive to enhance understanding, improve education, and contribute to solutions that shape better housing futures for all.
1.2. As a learned society and a company limited by guarantee, the Association does not engage in political campaigning or partisan activity. While not currently a charity, we follow Charity Commission guidance as best practice to safeguard our independence and prepare for potential future charitable status.
1.3. Public statements are one form of advocacy. They must therefore be consistent with the Association’s constitutional objects and with the Advocacy Policy.
2. Scope of Public Statements
2.1. The Association may issue public statements only where they fall clearly within the scope of its remit. This includes:
2.1.1. Housing-related research, education, and practice, for example, statements that highlight the value of housing research, support for funding, or the role of housing studies in shaping policy and practice.
2.1.2. Issues that directly affect members within higher education and research, including matters such as research funding, academic freedom, and opportunities for scholarship.
2.2. The Association will not issue public statements on broader political or geopolitical issues that fall outside this remit.
3. Principles
3.1. All public statements must be evidence-led and consistent with the Association’s role as a learned society.
3.2. Public statements are rare, and restraint is a matter of values-based impartiality, not silence. Where the Association chooses not to issue a public statement, we may instead address relevant issues through our activities, such as lectures, blogs, symposia, and other academic forums that allow for reflection, debate, and dissemination of housing-related knowledge.
3.3. Members are free to express their own views in a personal capacity. However, such views must not be represented as the position of the Association.
4. Governance
4.1. Responsibility for routine public statements (such as event announcements, funding calls, or statements on research-related matters) is delegated to the Chair and relevant Officers, including Communications Officers, in line with the Association’s Communications Strategy.
4.2. This delegation ensures that day-to-day statements can be issued efficiently while remaining consistent with the Association’s Advocacy Policy and constitutional objects.
4.3. Where a statement is significant or sensitive, including those that may affect the Association’s impartiality, reputation, or constitutional scope, the Chair must seek the prior approval of the Board. In such cases, the Board will collectively determine the Association’s position.
4.4. All public statements made in the name of the Association, including press releases, website notices, and social media content, must be issued under this governance process.
4.5. Requests for statements may be submitted to the Chair for inclusion on the Board’s agenda.
5. Member Networks
5.1. Member Networks are essential spaces for debate and scholarly engagement.
5.2. Networks may not issue public statements in the name of the Association or their network without prior approval of the Chair or relevant Officers, or, in the case of significant or sensitive statements, the approval of the Board.
5.3. Networks are encouraged to feed into the Board’s consideration of advocacy options where these align with the Association’s remit.
6. Review
6.1. This policy will be reviewed regularly, alongside the Advocacy Policy, to ensure consistency and alignment with best practice.
