What do people think of the idea of site staff working as "self-employed"?

Good thing, bad thing?

Just wondering :face-huh:

The Sunday Times university survival guide says on page 14 says that archaeology (research professionals) earn UKP 14973 as a starting salary more than fine art or ophthalmics.

Where did they get there infomation.

Dr Peter
(Where am I what motorway are we on what project am I working on. Its a hard life as a consultant).

Hi All,

All units vary, but some are better to work for than others. However, here is a list of things that I think make a good unit (following on from eggbasket's original post which we all know the outcome of):

Good management - a good project manager of an excavation or post-excavation project who is good at communication makes life so much easier for all levels of archaeologist. So they actually tell you why you are digging? make the methiod statement available to all?

Free Training - does the unit offer training? Do they have a dedicated HR person? (Yes, some units, like mine, do). If there is the opportunity for personal development then it's a good one to stick with.

Good excavations? OK, so this one is a little more tricky to achieve depending on where the unit is, etc, but a wide variety of work offers new challenges and keeps your mind working.

Good pay - this has been covered elsewhere, but believe me, better pay attracts those from other units (even when they have worked for those other untits for donkeys years).

A sense of feeling part of the unit - yes, a girlie one, but if you actual feel like an employee of a unit rather than a 'digger' you have do start getting a sense of loyalty (don't you?). Again, this is a 'good management' point. That's good people management as well as being able to run projects!

I'm sure there are many more.

Don't really want to have ANY discussions on what makes a bad unit - just a good one please.

If you are happy with your unit, what is the overall reason?

Gilraen

Following from Eggbaskets lead to attempt to raise a smile from folks, what has been your best day on site so far? Was it a find that made it, funny character, great setting and weather, or finally makng someone outside the realm of archaeology REALLy understand what we do?? Days are fetting shorter now and the weather a bit more grim (well i am oop north), think about yer best bits (damn...too much like big brother.....[:I])

At what date do OS maps go out of copyright? Is it when a new map survey is completed and published, or is there a set period of time?

Article 3 of Valetta states:

To preserve the archaeological heritage and guarantee the scientific significance of archaeological research work, each Party undertakes:

i. to apply procedures for the authorisation and supervision of excavation and other archaeological activities in such a way as:

a. to prevent any illicit excavation or removal of elements of the archaeological heritage;

b. to ensure that archaeological excavations and prospecting are undertaken in a scientific manner and provided that:

– non-destructive methods of investigation are applied wherever possible;

– the elements of the archaeological heritage are not uncovered or left exposed during or after excavation without provision being made for their proper preservation, conservation and management;

ii. to ensure that excavations and other potentially destructive techniques are carried out only by qualified, specially authorised persons;

iii. to subject to specific prior authorisation, whenever foreseen by the domestic law of the State, the use of metal detectors and any other detection equipment or process for archaeological investigation.

We are concentrating on the Section ii only for this poll



"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

Are they archived somewhere?

I do accept Dr Pete and others opinion that what is good for archaeology may not be good for archaeologists etc etc but I’m not convinced that in medium or long term franchising would be good for either. Initially, yes, I agree with Simon Johnson my dislike for the system may have had something to do with the prospect of winning any of the franchises. Now I am not in the position of producing tendering for work but am in the position of requesting them. If this system was put into place then this aspect of the consultants job would be reduced (ie no need to manage the tendering process), but there would still be a need to actually manage the work. My other concern is really comparisons with other systems which are franchised (ie train operators). The incumbent in the franchise is invariably at an advantage and would obviously draw the skills to it over the period of the franchise. Who would honestly leave a holder of a franchise (and guaranteed pay) for the possibility of work with a company which may not start up? What would happen, for example, with a long excavation project (5 years ish) which crossed over the franchise change? Would the first company have to complete the work (with obviously reduced resources and manpower) or would the archive and work be passed on to the new franchise holder? As I say, this medium/long term issue does concern me but am open to debate on the points.

Desiderate le fritture con quello?

hello,
wonder if anyone can offer advice: i am thinkin of movin to france but don't really want ot give up in the archaeological career, so am wonderin if anyone knows how the system works out there. is it the same as here, ie polluter pays, private units or is it council units etc. i a at proj officer level and learnin the language to a good standard is not a problem (though i'm a long way from fluent!!)
anyone with any experience of workin in france, or for that matter spain and italy??? (i'm not picky as long as it's hotter than here!)

David,

I am going to be busy for the foreseeable future and thus I am going to be unable to do any moderatoring. If you are going to be away in the next three months can you give me some warning.

I will thus not be posting on BAJR for a short period of time. It is a hard life being a consultant. For the avoidance of doubt and belt braces cover and to make myslef clear and unambigious - if I do not post on BAJR it is because I am busy and my focus and priority must be ensuring that my staff are:

well paid

Happy

doing quality work that they enjoy and their careers are progressing.

My paper at the conference was written when I was asked to about six months ago and circumstances have changed.

Best wishes
Peter

( David another UKP 20 if and when you issue me with the invoice for the last use of CVs on line, my CPDC for Sunday etc. Having fun Peter.)