1st May 2005, 02:46 PM
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!
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!