The British Sauna Society Operators’ Charter.

  1. Introduction.

    The British Sauna Society (BSS) is committed to promoting and upholding the highest standards of sauna design, experience, and conduct to ensure the health, wellbeing, and enjoyment of all participants. This charter serves as a foundational agreement between the Society and its members, outlining the principles, standards, and responsibilities that each member agrees to uphold.

2. Objectives of the Charter.

  1. To establish a business community with a shared commitment to excellence in sauna design and operation.

  2. To foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community of sauna practitioners and enthusiasts.

  3. To promote a safe, beneficial, and authentic sauna experience rooted in cultural and scientific understanding.

  4. To advocate for sauna use as a practice that enhances mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

3. Membership values.

Integrity

Business members are expected to represent the best of authentic sauna, upholding the values and ideals of the British Sauna Society. Members are expected to treat each other, their employees and customers with honesty, fairness, respect and kindness. We have a zero tolerance policy for intimidation, bullying and harassment.

Equity

The British Sauna Society Member endeavours to integrate the sauna ethos of quality into its leadership, operations, processes and experiences. Businesses have a voice in the Society through their Council representatives, who will be available for contact. Membership fees are relative to the size of businesses, making membership accessible to start ups and established companies alike.

Community

The first and foremost membership benefit is belonging to a certificated community. It formalises a connection to a growing number of individuals and businesses that love authentic sauna bathing and want to share its enjoyment, health benefits and life-affirming qualities with others.

4. Standards for sauna design.

Operator Members of the British Sauna Society commit to adhering to the following principles of sauna design:

  1. Health and Safety: Ensuring a safe environment with high-quality design and build, proper ventilation, hygiene standards, and maintenance protocols. Saunas should be a safe space, free of judgment and argument, where everyone is welcome to practise sauna peacefully. Adequate hydration is essential, and fresh water should be available free of charge.

  2. Quality Materials and Equipment: Using high-quality, heat-resistant materials in construction to enhance durability and user experience. Prioritising materials with good heat mass characteristics for seating, such as logs, thermally treated hardwood, or low-carbon concrete. Ensuring a powerful stove with a well-stocked supply of rocks to create good löyly (steam - spirit of sauna).

  3. User Experience: Providing well-equipped facilities with adequate space for changing rooms, and storage, showers, and toilets. Cold plunge or other contrast therapy facilities should be available, whilst showers and toilets are ideally located nearby wherever possible. Focusing on comfort and relaxation with appropriate seating arrangements, bench heights, and friendly, attentive service. Guided sauna sessions and rituals should enrich the sauna-goer’s multisensory experience.

  4. Accessibility: Designing saunas that are accessible to all individuals wherever possible, including those with disabilities and wheelchair users, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of sauna use.

  5. Sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient heating systems and responsible sourcing of materials, to minimise environmental impact.

5. Standards for the sauna experience.

Operator Members pledge to promote and deliver a sauna experience that upholds the following experience principles:

  1. Immersive heat and good steam: Saunas should be equipped with stoves that allow bathers or practitioners to create enjoyable steam (löyly).

  2. Health and safety: Ensuring quality construction that minimises the risk of slips, falls, fires, and burns. Saunas should be well-ventilated, with drained floors and insulated shells for comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.

  3. Cleanliness and hygiene: Maintaining a clean, odour-free space that is regularly cleaned and cared for.

  4. Facilities: Ensuring access to open water, ice baths, cold plunges, or cold showers, as well as outdoor spaces, nature, and fresh air for cooldowns, rest, and relaxation.

  5. Hydration: Providing easy and free access to drinking water for hydration.

  6. Inclusivity: Saunas should be designed for all abilities, creating a safe space free of judgment and argument, where everyone is welcome.

  7. Sustainability: Saunas should be sustainably and responsibly built and operated.

  8. Educated staff: Employing hospitable staff who understand sauna practices and can guide bathers on safe and proper sauna use.

  9. Community engagement: Encouraging communal use that promotes social interaction and wellbeing. Saunas connect everyone.

6. Code of conduct.

All Business Members of the British Sauna Society agree to adhere to the following code of conduct:

  1. Professional integrity: Conduct all sauna-related activities with honesty, transparency, and professionalism.

  2. Safety commitment: Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all bathers by ensuring compliance with safety protocols and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.

  3. Respect and inclusion: Foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all, irrespective of background, gender, age, or ability.

  4. Sustainability practices: Implement and advocate for environmentally responsible practices in sauna design, construction, and operation.

  5. Knowledge sharing: Promote education about sauna culture, heritage, and health benefits through engagement with customers and the wider community.

  6. Excellence in service: Provide attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly service to enhance the sauna experience for all users.

  7. Cultural sensitivity: Respect and honour the traditions and rituals of global sauna cultures while promoting innovation and accessibility.

  8. Collaboration and community: Actively engage with the sauna community by sharing insights, supporting initiatives, and collaborating with other members to advance the mission of the British Sauna Society.

  9. Accountability: Accept responsibility for any breaches of this code and cooperate fully with any reviews or actions undertaken by the Society.

8. Enforcement and review.

  1. Compliance: The British Sauna Society reserves the right to review and address breaches of this charter, which may result in membership suspension or termination. The BSS will draw on reviews and feedback received from bathers, as well as formal complaints that have been raised with the Society.

  2. Finality: The British Sauna Society’s decision to suspend or terminate a membership is at their sole discretion. Members may request a review of the decision. While the Society is not obliged to overturn a decision, it will consider such requests fairly and in good faith.

  3. Feedback and Revisions: This charter will be reviewed annually, and feedback from members will be considered to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

9. Declaration.

By becoming a member of the British Sauna Society, you agree to adhere to this charter and support the Society’s mission to promote excellence in sauna design, experience, and conduct.