29th May 2004, 01:48 PM
Post-Med Potterer,
The experience EH, HS and CADW have with strategic initiatives and frameworks on a national level is what makes them ideal to implement an all-inclusive package for the benefit of all archaeologists. The IFA, and I do recognize that it has its good points, has shown over 22 years that it isn't willing to take the lead as a governing body. Two thirds of British archaeologists, for a variety of reasons, decline to apply for membership of the IFA, this reluctance to join illustrates why the IFA will not be accepted by many as a representative governing body. Some of the most senior members of the IFA are the people who set the pay and conditions within their own organisations, the very conditions that have to be changed. Is there not a clear conflict of interest inherent in asking people in charge of commercial contracting companies to take on a pastoral role within the archaeological community. EH, HS and CADW already have pastoral responsibilities for the national archaeological resource, a chartered body administered by them would appear entirely in keeping with their remit.
The experience EH, HS and CADW have with strategic initiatives and frameworks on a national level is what makes them ideal to implement an all-inclusive package for the benefit of all archaeologists. The IFA, and I do recognize that it has its good points, has shown over 22 years that it isn't willing to take the lead as a governing body. Two thirds of British archaeologists, for a variety of reasons, decline to apply for membership of the IFA, this reluctance to join illustrates why the IFA will not be accepted by many as a representative governing body. Some of the most senior members of the IFA are the people who set the pay and conditions within their own organisations, the very conditions that have to be changed. Is there not a clear conflict of interest inherent in asking people in charge of commercial contracting companies to take on a pastoral role within the archaeological community. EH, HS and CADW already have pastoral responsibilities for the national archaeological resource, a chartered body administered by them would appear entirely in keeping with their remit.