Terms and Conditions of Individual Associate Membership

1. Associate Membership Applications
  1. Applications for associate membership will be considered by the BWRC who have the right to refuse applications.
  2. By submitting an application form by email, the Associate Member is deemed to have signed the application form.
  3. All information provided by you to us must be true and accurate at the point of applying. In the event of a change of circumstances such as moving jobs, change of contact details you must notify the BWRC by phone, email or in writing so that our records are up to date.
2. Membership Payments, Renewals and Cancellations
  1. Associate Membership is £15 per person per calendar year starting on 1st April. Associate Membership will be activated at point of approval of the application but payment must be received within 30 days of application.
  2. Payment can be made by cheque, BACS or Standing Order. If Associate Membership payment remains outstanding we will notify you by telephone, email or letter.
  3. It is the member’s responsibility to advise the BWRC of their intention not to renew. Subscription payments not received within one month of becoming due will result in the membership being considered lapsed and all services or benefits may be suspended pending payment. However, Associate Membership charges will continue to accrue, until resignation is received in writing, subject to the cancellation procedure outlined below. To cancel your membership you will need to notify us in writing stating a reason which will be recorded for internal use only. Refunds will not be given for cancelled memberships.
Individual Associate Membership rights and responsibilities.
  1. Associate individual non-voting membership of the BWRC does not count as membership for legal purposes; therefore Associate Members do not have any voting rights, legal obligations to act in the interests of the BWRC, or any liability to contribute to the assets of the BWRC on dissolution.
  2. Associate membership belongs to the individual and not to the organisation regardless of who pays for the membership. Any dispute arising from this must be resolved by the member and their organisation. You will be issued with a membership number which you should use when calling us to help identify you quickly.
  3. It is the Associate Member’s responsibility to keep their membership number confidential. The BWRC reserves the right to withdraw Membership or to prevent any Member from renewing if the Member is misusing the membership benefits (for example, allowing someone else to use the benefits of their membership package).
4. Associate Membership Benefits
  1. Associate Member benefits are only available if subscription payments are up to date.
  2. Associate Member benefits may change without notice.
  3. Associate Members are permitted to use the BWRC Associate Member logo (not the Associate Organisation logo) for the purposes of self-promotion, but not for the promotion of a wider organisation.
  4. If an Associate Member is found to have contravened the terms and conditions stated in 4.3 membership may be terminated by the BWRC without prior warning.
5. Terminating Membership
  1. The BWRC reserves the right to withdraw membership or to prevent any Associate Member from renewing membership if the Member brings the BWRC into disrepute.
  2. The BWRC reserves the right to withdraw membership if the Associate Member is deemed to have misused the membership privileges.
6. Variation of Terms & Conditions
  1. These terms and conditions may be revised from time to time. If they are revised, we will post or email the revised version to you. It will be your responsibility to keep up-to date with all such changes and your continued membership shall be deemed acceptance of any changes to these terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions of Individual Associate Membership

1. Associate Organisation Membership (AOM) Applications
  1. Applications for AOM will be considered by the BWRC who have the right to refuse applications.
  2. By submitting an application form by email, the AOM is deemed to have signed the application form.
  3. All information provided by you to us must be true and accurate at the point of applying. In the event of a change of circumstances the AOM must notify the BWRC by phone, email or in writing so that our records are up to date.
  4. Associate Organisations are required to provide evidence of engagement in external staff and/or volunteer development relevant to wildlife rehabilitation (this must be external to the associate organisation but does not have to be a BWRC event). BWRC reserves the right to withhold/ withdraw membership in the absence of adequate evidence of CPD (a minimum of one event every two years).
2. Associate Organisation Membership Payments, Renewals and Cancellations
  1. Associate Organisation Membership costs £75 per organisation per calendar year starting on 1st April. Membership will be activated once the application has been approved and the first payment has been received.
  2. Payment can be made by cheque, BACS or Standing Order. If Associate Membership payment remains outstanding we will notify you by telephone, email or letter.
  3. It is the AOM’s responsibility to advise the BWRC of their intention not to renew. Subscription payments not received within one month of becoming due will result in the membership being considered lapsed and all services or benefits may be suspended pending payment. However, AOM charges will continue to accrue, until resignation is received in writing, subject to the cancellation procedure outlined below. To cancel your membership you will need to notify us in writing stating a reason which will be recorded for internal use only. Refunds will not be given for cancelled memberships.
3. Associate Membership Rights
  1. AOM of the BWRC does not count as membership for legal purposes; therefore Associate Organisations do not have any voting rights, legal obligations to act in the interests of the BWRC, or any liability to contribute to the assets of the BWRC on dissolution.
  2. AOM belongs to the organisation regardless of who pays for the membership. Any dispute arising from this must be resolved within the Associate Organisation. The Organisation will be issued with a membership number which you should use when calling us to help identify you quickly.
  3. It is the Associate Organisation’s responsibility to keep their membership number confidential. The BWRC reserves the right to withdraw Membership or to prevent any Member from renewing if the Member is misusing the membership benefits (for example, allowing someone from outside of the organisation to use the benefits of their membership package).
4. Associate Membership Benefits
  1. Associate Organisations are permitted to use the BWRC Associate Organisation logo for the purposes of self-promotion on any of their organisational materials, including website.
  2. Associate Organisations are entitled to purchase an unlimited number of tickets for BWRC events at the membership price, providing that those tickets are for the exclusive use of paid staff or regular volunteers for the Associate Organisation
  3. BWRC will provide e-mail notifications to up to 10 e-mail addresses within the associate organisation. The associate organisation is then free to circulate BWRC notifications to other staff and volunteer members of the associate organisation.
  4. BWRC may agree to promote events organised by the Associate Organisation if asked to do so, at the discretion of the BWRC board of trustees
  5. AOM benefits are only available if subscription payments are up to date.
  6. AOM benefits may change without notice.
5. Terminating Membership
  1. The BWRC reserves the right to withdraw membership or to prevent any Associate Organisation from renewing membership if the Associate Organisation risks bringing the BWRC into disrepute.
  2. The BWRC reserves the right to withdraw membership if the Associate Organisation is deemed to have misused the membership privileges.
  3. If an Associate Organisation is found to have contravened the terms and conditions stated in 5.1 and 5.2, above membership may be terminated by the BWRC without prior warning.
1. Variation of Terms & Conditions
  1. These terms and conditions may be revised from time to time. If they are revised, we will post or email the revised version to you. It will be your responsibility to keep up-to date with all such changes and your continued membership shall be deemed acceptance of any changes to these terms and conditions.

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10 Principles of Wildlife Care

The British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of care and welfare for wildlife casualties. By applying for and accepting membership with the BWRC, all parties are expected to uphold these standards as defined by the Council.

To support practitioners in this field, we have developed a 10-point set of core principles that form the foundation for professional and evidence-based wildlife care. All BWRC members and their organisations involved in wildlife rehabilitation are required to adhere to these principles. Members must identify and collect evidence to demonstrate compliance. Failure to provide such evidence may result in termination of membership.

Each year, we will select a number of members or member organisations from our membership list through a random selection process. Selected members will be contacted via email to submit evidence of compliance.

Upon formal request, a centre will have up to one month to submit a short report demonstrating adherence to the principles, which will be reviewed by BWRC Trustees. Feedback and a statement of compliance will be provided within a specified timeframe.

No member will be audited more than once in any three-year period unless a complaint, with supporting evidence, is raised against them.

We understand that it may take time for members to begin this process and to gather evidence for each principle if not already available. We are here to support our members and encourage you to reach out with any queries or questions.

The 10 Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation

1

Legislative Compliance

To comply, at all times, with all relevant legislation in regards to the capture, handling, captive rehabilitation, release (and euthanasia) of wildlife.

In particular, this includes the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Medicines Act 1968.

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2

Biosecurity

To ensure that a high level of biosecurity is observed and adhered to at all times.

The appropriate use of PPE is mandatory to ensure the safety of both the rehabilitator and their wildlife casualties

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3

Veterinary Involvement

There must be an agreement (ideally in writing) with one or more local veterinary practices for the provision of veterinary advice, treatment and surgery (including euthanasia).

A written euthanasia policy should be available detailing the available methods of and general reasons for euthanasia.

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4

Training

Staff and volunteers must be appropriately trained for the tasks they will be carrying out in order to continually secure animal welfare needs. This should be recorded and CPD should be encouraged.

Staffing levels should be appropriate to the numbers, ages and species being cared for during rehabilitation.

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5

Animal Needs

Animal needs (also known as the 5 freedoms) as set out in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 must be provided at all times throughout the rehabilitation process.

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6

Public Face

All public facing media (websites, social media etc) must reflect the highest standards of care and adherence to current legislation and biosecurity advice.

They must also follow BWRC’s guidance regarding the use of wildlife in media.

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7

Facilities

Facilities (housing, enclosures, holding areas) and equipment provided for wildlife rehabilitation should be suitable and adequate for both the species and the numbers of patients involved.

They should also be designed and constructed of materials which allow suitable disinfection.

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8

Records

Accurate records (either paper or digital) should be maintained including as a basic minimum:

• Dates of admission and exit
• Species
• Age (adult/juvenile)
• Sex
• Reason for admission
• Outcome.

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9

Written Policies

There should be a written policy for every rehabilitation centre to continually review their existing policies and methods of care and treatment of wildlife casualties in order to remain up to date with current thinking and to ensure that the highest animal welfare needs are met.

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10

Captivity

The BWRC firmly opposes the permanent captivity of any native British wild-bred animal within rescue or rehabilitation environments. Keeping these wild animals in sanctuaries can present ethical challenges and is likely to compromise their welfare.

Save in rare, exceptional circumstances, these animals should be humanely euthanised to protect their long-term welfare.

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Our Standards

1: Legislative Compliance

Requirement

To comply, at all times, with all relevant legislation in regards to the capture, handling, captive rehabilitation, release (and euthanasia) of wildlife. In particular, this includes the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Medicines Act 1968.
  1. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
  2. Animal Welfare Act 2006
  3. Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
  4. Medicines Act 1968

Guidance Notes

The Centre must have written protocols relating to:

  • Capture
  • Handling
  • Captive rehabilitation
  • Transport
  • Release
  • Euthanasia

2: Biosecurity

Requirement

To ensure that a high level of biosecurity is observed and adhered to at all times. The appropriate use of PPE is mandatory to ensure the safety of both the rehabilitator and their wildlife casualties

Guidance Notes

There should be a written biosecurity policy for:

  • Admissions (including SOPs for isolation and quarantine situations),
  • Use of PPE,
  • Disinfection and cleaning of cages/enclosures/vehicles etc
  • Movement of animals within the Centre

3: Veterinary involvement

Requirement

There must be an agreement (ideally in writing) with one or more local veterinary practices for the provision of veterinary advice, treatment and surgery (including euthanasia). A written euthanasia policy should be available detailing the available methods of and general reasons for euthanasia.

Guidance Notes

The Centre must provide evidence of an agreement for the provision of veterinary services with one or more local veterinary practices, including the provision of advice, diagnosis and treatments (medicines, diagnostics, surgery and euthanasia).

If POM-V and/or POM-VPS drugs are used at the Centre, there should be written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their use legally, including who is trained and allowed to administer them.

4: Staff

Requirement

Staff and volunteers must be appropriately trained for the tasks they will be carrying out in order to continually secure animal welfare needs. This should be recorded and CPD should be encouraged. Staffing levels should be appropriate to the numbers, ages and species being cared for during rehabilitation.

Guidance Notes

The Centre must have written protocols for the training of staff and volunteers.

Records should be kept for each staff member and volunteer attesting to their level of training and permitted responsibilities.

There should be a written policy encouraging all staff to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and maintaining records of such CPD for all staff.

There should be a written document detailing the reasoning and policies used to determine the appropriate levels of staffing at the Centre.

5: Animal Needs

Requirement

The Five Needs, as set out in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, must be provided at all times throughout the rehabilitation process.
  1. Animal Welfare Act 2006

Guidance Notes

The Centre should have a written statement testifying that they meet the Five Needs for all casualties whilst they are in its care.

6: Media

Requirement

All public facing media (websites, social media etc.) must reflect the highest standards of care and adherence to current legislation and biosecurity advice. They must also follow BWRC’s guidance regarding the use of wildlife in media.

Guidance Notes

There should be a written policy detailing who is responsible for publishing text, images or videos on any public facing media along with guidance on what is and what is not considered acceptable.

There should be a policy for dealing with complaints and positive as well as adverse comments directed towards the Centre.

7: Facilities

Requirement

Facilities (housing, enclosures, holding areas) and equipment provided for wildlife rehabilitation should be suitable and adequate for both the species and the numbers of patients involved. They should also be designed and constructed of materials which allow suitable disinfection.

Guidance Notes

There should be a written policy defining the species which the Centre is overall equipped to rehabilitate.

There should be an assessment of both the optimum and maximum numbers of each normally rehabilitated species that can be accommodated within each area/enclosure in accordance with the Five Needs.

There should be written policies on:

  • How to deal with species which the Centre is not equipped to deal with
  • What to do if/when capacity for normally rehabilitated species is exceeded

Each area/enclosure should be described in terms of size, construction materials, flooring, heating and ventilation.

8: Records

Requirement

Accurate records (either paper or digital) should be maintained including as a basic minimum: Dates of admission and exit, species, age (adult/juvenile), sex, reason for admission and outcome.

Guidance Notes

There should be a written policy detailing how the Centre keeps accurate records of casualties and who is responsible for the entering/maintenance of the data.

Where POM-V and/or POM-VPS drugs are used, there should be a written policy on how these are recorded and accounted for.

9: Policies

Requirement

There should be a written policy for every rehabilitation centre to continually review their existing policies and methods of care and treatment of wildlife casualties in order to remain up to date with current thinking and to ensure that the highest animal welfare needs are met.

Guidance Notes

Additional to specific policies applicable to other Principles, for each species normally treated, there should be written protocols covering:

  • Methods of care including: Triage, Feeding, Housing, Handling, Transport, Release methods and strategies
  • Treatments (including emergency and veterinary).

There should be a written policy on how these protocols are made available to relevant staff at the Centre and how frequently such protocols are reviewed, updated and by whom.

10: Captive Wildlife

Requirement

The BWRC firmly opposes any native British animal, of wild-origin, being kept in permanent captivity in rescue or rehabilitation environments. Keeping these wild animals in sanctuaries can present ethical challenges and is likely to compromise their welfare. Save in rare, exceptional circumstances, these animals should be humanely euthanised to protect their long-term welfare.

Guidance Notes

There should be a written policy acknowledging that keeping British wild-origin animals in permanent captivity is likely to compromise their welfare.

For Centres where, for historical reasons or under exceptional circumstances, captive wild-origin animals are maintained in long term captivity, there should be written statements for each animal explaining the reasons why they are the exception.

In such circumstances, there should be a written policy outlining the centre’s plan to evolve to a situation where no wild-origin animals are kept at the centre (e.g. when any historically captive animal dies, they are not to be replaced).