Chartered Archaeologists are to be a reality

[Boxoffrogs]

As BAJR says, be in it to change it. If it becomes a closed shop wages and conditions WILL change...in the long run.

[Sikelgaita]

As BAJR says, be in it to change it. If it becomes a closed shop wages and conditions WILL change...in the long run.

I am in it. My membership has not seemed to make any difference so far and I am too old now to run a marathon.

[Boxoffrogs]

I have never run a marathon...other than this one. You can make a difference..but it involve volunteering to do stuff for/with them. Diggers forum perhaps?

[kevin wooldridge]

I suspect that those archaeologists who have stayed separate from the IfA will also stay separate from the CIfA. That is their choice. British employment law currently makes it impossible for the CIfA to promote or enforce a closed shop on behalf of its members. Whether Chartered status gives any company or individual a fair competitive advantage remains to be seen.

I think however that this moment is a now a watershed in UK archaeology (and possibly world archaeology) as the IfA becomes the first body in archaeology to gain official status as a recognised professional organisation. I would be the last to suggest that the CIfA is perfect, but for those suggesting that its lacks an authority to act on behalf of the profession, the argument is over. I guess the challenge is now for those of us who are members to work towards the organisation more accurately representing the aspirations of archaeology and the needs of UK archaeology. Hopefully in time that will bring some of the doubters into the fold.

I thinks its wrong to suggest that every member of the CIfA is tarred with the same brush....

[Sikelgaita]

You can make a difference..but it involve volunteering to do stuff for/with them. Diggers forum perhaps?

I have fought many battles on behalf of diggers. In the end I have lost and it has worn me out, my days of even attempting to run a marathon are now over.

[Dinosaur]

With the IFAs current reputation possibly not as much as some hope and others fear

Sadly that won't be understood by clients, they'll just see the 'Chartered' b****cks without understanding its meaninglessness in relation to quality

Have just spent the morning trying to decide what to do about C14 dating a site dug by a total ***** with (judging by the site and sample records) an almost total lack of understanding of the basics of either excavation, recording or archaeological science, and yet who has since moved on to become a SPO with one of the big southern RAO outfits ....scary thought that major ROs are employing (and in this case promoting) people of this ilk to manage sites! Quality???? Yeah, right... Additionally annoying for the site in question since the publication will have my name on the front so it'll be me looking like a total t**t through no fault of my own :face-crying:

[Dinosaur]

... you might just get the heated portacabin you deserve....

Got them already thanks, with those fancy toilets with electric flush too, and don't recall IfA (or any RAO) being involved at any stage along the way...

[Boxoffrogs]

Amen Kevin!

[BAJR]

ave just spent the morning trying to decide what to do about C14 dating a site dug by a total ***** with (judging by the site and sample records) an almost total lack of understanding of the basics of either excavation, recording or archaeological science, and yet who has since moved on to become a SPO with one of the big southern RAO outfits .

In which case, you now have the basis of complaint

If I could ask for one major thing to change it is the method of complaint. Like every other companint it has to be fair. and the person accused must be allowed a right to reply. HOWEVER> the need for protect whistleblowers or the like needs revised.

For you. there is nothing to stop you making a complaint about this. providing teh relevant details you have... this may result in a reprimand... and if enough people complain - they would be struck off.

Just a thought...


ps... can I borrow your heated toilet

[Wax]

Sadly that won't be understood by clients, they'll just see the 'Chartered' b****cks without understanding its meaninglessness in relation to quality

Perhaps you are underestimating your clients? I bet your organisation gets the work because of quality and reputation. I just wonder who will be policing the quality side of things if we continute loosing curators/local archaeology services? If they go who sets the archaeological aspects of planning conditions? Some pen pusher whose knowledge of archaeology comes from the telly?