The Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is a membership organisation bringing together voluntary and professional non-governmental organisations that operate at the national level and represent people who work within the built environment sector.  Through its members, BEFS connects with over 325,000 individuals through 540 organisations.

As an umbrella organisation BEFS informs, mediates and advocates on strategic issues affecting both the historic and contemporary elements within the Scottish built environment.  In defining the Built Environment and the Historic Environment, BEFS accepts the widest interpretation of the terms, reflecting its inclusive approach and its members are involved in a wide range of activities within the sector.

Adopting an integrated approach, our aim is to secure better places in Scotland by developing the right conditions for achieving places that are of good quality, that are valued, that work for people, that are distinctly Scottish.

Our built heritage is a significant part of what makes Scotland Scottish - a cultural expression in physical form. At the heart of places the historic environment represents an irreplaceable asset which evolves to reflect changing times.  Within this context, new development contributes to the changing scene and builds the surroundings with which people identify.

Achieving places that are valued - and valuable - within this dynamic environment presents challenges and opportunities. BEFS provides the forum for stakeholders to explore these challenges and opportunities. Through collaborative initiatives we aim, over the long term, to develop the operational context within which Scotland's places can flourish.