how would you change the ifa

[BAJR Host]

Spulling woz never a rechwirement in my job..

IFA... bigger than Jesus!

[troll]

And also all about "prophet"...

[BAJR Host]

[Beki]

Ho kay....

for a start i would make sure that the IFA actaully deal with cowboy organisations. we all know they're out there....
I also agree that the IFA should listed to us more, and actually try to help us out a bit...we don't pay out good money just to get a magazine 4 times a year do we really????

[BAJR Host]

Good point Beki.... one I have made to the IFA directly myself.

So what would entice? money off tools? cheaper insurance? acreditation... where CPDs = increased cash ...

[troll]

The IFA has to be made accountable. For the last twenty odd years, they hav`nt had to answer to anyone. How can PPG16 cite them as being responsible for standards? If PPG16 has any legal standing at all, surely the IFA have a legal obligation?

[deepdigger]

given the choice, I'd sack the lot of em. they aint done much for me. or at least it dont feel like it. the ifa will never be any use until its fully accountable.

deep

[the invisible man]

I've been thinking about this one for ages. It's not as easy as it seems to come up with specific proposals, as opposed to grand sweeping generalisations and statements of intent! So here goes:

1. Achieve Chartered status, and with it a protected title of Archaeologist. (This will be difficult as the concept of professionalism is unfashionable and has been undermined since the late 70's.)

2. Formulate and publish standards and guidelines etc. This to include specific performance and contractual standards, and standard forms of tender and contract. (Yes I've got ICE Conds of Contract).

3. Find a way to maintain and enforce 2. This is only possible if all/most orgs are members (hence 1.) Perhaps random spot checks on sites and site records? Bit like the HSE! Maybe link with or take over the Hotline.

4. Following on from 2, streamline the formal disciplinary and complaint procedures. Look at other institutes (it's not much different).

5. Work closely with curators. They are in a good position to identify poor practice and should be encouraged to dig their heels in for the proper discharge of conditions. Tenders that are clearly underpriced and/or under-resourced, not properly documented etc should be rejected. Curtaors to be supported in this. NB many curators will ne members anyway!

6. Push for a training culture. Encourage/force RAO's to employ a reasonable number of garduate trainees (see 1.) They can't expect other units to train staff for them for ever.

7. Work with universities? Consider a "year out" (see 6.) either between years 2 and 3 (as at Bradford) or postgrad. Similar things happe with architects.

8. Generally become a champion for archaeology, get involved in the issues of the day. Raise the profile. Who has heard of the IFA besides archaeologists? Do a lot of what the CBA does, take a stance in certain planning issues, flag issues up, rais ethe corporate head above the parapet.

9. Yep, ok, have some member benefits. Insurance deals, health plans, car insurance, breakdown cover, cheap deals on kit, air miles all that sort of stuff (other bodies do it).

Phew, that's my tuppenceworth! Time for a coffee I think!

[BAJR Host]

Cracking Start...

These are concrete questions.. that can be formalised and sent for a formal reply..

Keep em coming.
You earned more than a coffee!

[disheartened]

i know many of you have lots of problems with the Irish system of archaeology (but who ain't got problems with something!).

How and ever, in principle what do you think about the licencing system we have in operation here? You have to prove you have varied site experience, have written up strat, finds, inked drawings, know your legislation, can recognise leinster cooking ware against neolithic pot (scarily similar!) before you become licence eligible (able to apply for licences to excavate - direct sites). once you've finished on site,then you have to provide reports for any outstanding licences before another licence is granted to you. (and before someone starts crying "it doesn't work like that really" no it doesn't but it's supposed to!).

Would you be in favour of a new and renewed IFA being in charge of a licencing system?