OurTerms of Reference set out what our aims are, how we operate and how to become a member. 

Terms of Reference

Luton Health and Nature Partnership

‘We’ and ‘Our’ refer to the Luton Health and Nature Partnership

1. Background

The Luton Health and Nature Partnership is a network of organisations offering nature-based activities, healthcare professionals, Luton Council officers and others. We were initiated by Natural England in 2023. 

We work together to promote and improve access to nature-based activities and services across Luton.

2. Aims and purpose

The Partnership exists to:

• Work as a team to improve connections between healthcare professionals and providers of nature-based activities. 

• Increase opportunities for green social prescribing, nature-based and nature recovery and volunteering activities in Luton.

• Share resources, knowledge, and best practice to remove barriers to people taking part in nature-based activities.

• Share the effort of representing nature-based activities at events and networking opportunities

• Strengthen funding bids by partnership working and improve long-term sustainability for nature-based activities.
  
  

3. Membership

The Partnership includes (but is not limited to) the following organisations:

• Active Luton

• Edible High Town

• Groundwork East

• Luton Council (Sustainable Transport Team & Parks and Countryside Service)

• SIG Penrose Roots

• Total Wellbeing

• Natural England

• The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire

3.1 How to become a member

Membership is open to any organisation or professional committed to the Partnership’s aims. Generally organisations would offer activities in Luton and fit broadly into one of these categories: 

1. • Organisations offering volunteer nature-based activities (eg community gardening, conservation)

   • Organisations involved in social prescribing (eg Primary Care Networks, Social Prescribers, Linkworkers, Wellbeing coaches)

   • Organisations helping to remove barriers to green social prescribing (eg Luton Council sustainable transport)

We’ll invite prospective new members to say how they plan to contribute to the partnership’s aims. 

To remain an active member, an organisation should attend at least two meetings per year and follow the terms set out under section 7 (Members Code of Conduct).

Contact us if you'd like to ask about becoming a member

4. How we work

4.1 Meetings and communication

4. • • We hold quarterly meetings, these can be online or in person

     • We’ll nominate a rotating chair/facilitator and note taker for each meeting.

     • The website exists at www. lutonhealthandnature.org. 

     • The email address is lutonhealthandnature@gmail.com. 

     • The website will be updated at regular intervals, subject to funding or on a voluntary basis. 

     • The factual accuracy and permission for photographs is responsibility of the individual member organisation

     • Any marketing materials using the Partnership logo must be individually approved. 

     • No individual partner alone represents the Partnership and the Partnership is not responsible for actions of the individual partners.

4.2 Status and finance

• The partnership is a voluntary, non-statutory organisation, is unincorporated and not a legal entity, and does not hold a bank account or spend funds itself.

• Projects and activities recommended or supported by the Partnership will be led by organisations best placed to do so.

• If we use funds to help with the administrative running of the Partnership, these can be held by organisations best placed to do so and are subject to the contractual obligations of the grant or funding. 

• We encourage members to explore joint applications.

4.3 Governance and review

4. • • We operate without a formal committee, with no legal status, financial commitments, or formal obligations.

     • We make decisions collectively through discussion and consensus.

     • Our meetings and communications are collaborative with no single organisation holding overall authority.

     • We will review and re-ratify these Terms of Reference annually. 

     • Amendments to this Terms of Reference can be made by agreement among members.
       
       

5. Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and ensuring that all individuals and communities can access and benefit from green social prescribing. To do this, we will:

5. • • Actively learn about barriers to nature-based activities, particularly for underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

     • Encourage diverse representation within the Partnership to reflect the communities we serve.

     • Work to remove these barriers. 

     • Foster a respectful and welcoming environment where all voices are valued, and discrimination is not tolerated.

     • Individual members are likely to have more detailed policies.
       
       

6. Members code of conduct

We want to be a positive, respectful and inclusive partnership where all members feel welcome and valued. To do this, we will:

6. • • Communicate with respect and openness.

     • Work collaboratively and share ideas, opportunities, and knowledge.

     • Listen to different perspectives and aim for constructive discussion.

     • Create space for all voices, especially those less often heard.

     • If a member’s behavior goes against this code, we’ll address it with care and openness. If concerns continue or cause harm, we may ask them to leave.
       
       

7. Handling concerns or complaints

If concerns or disagreements related to the activities of the partnership arise, we aim to resolve them quickly, fairly and informally in the following way: 

7. • • Raise issues and concerns directly with the member involved in a respectful way.

     • If needed, a neutral member of the group can help facilitate a conversation.

     • If a resolution isn’t reached, those involved can bring the matter to the wider Partnership for discussion and agree a way forward together.
       
       

8. Dissolution

   • • We will continue as long as members find value in collaboration.

9. Revision of these Terms of Reference

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Changes made 13 May 2025

Version: V1