9th January 2006, 12:23 AM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Beer Beast A straw poll in the organisation that I work for, (last week), revealed a degree of cynicism and a lack of willingness to join the IFA that appears symptomatic throughout the industry. For those supporters of the IFA I ask this question, why should this situation prevail, why is it not otherwise; what is it about the IFA that is being mis-represented to such a degree that two thirds of British professional archaeologists refuse to join? Is it the fault of the organisation in its own publicity or is there something fundamentally wrong in the ethos of the IFA?
I'm guessing though that as you and your colleagues work for an IFA RAO, despite your cynicism and lack of willingness, by default you subscribe to the IFA standards and Code of Conduct.
A recent estimation of IFA membership amongst RAOs suggested that perhaps 50% of staff employed by RAOs might not be members of the IFA. However, they also by default subscribe to the IFA Codes and Standards. It is therefore likely that closer to two-thirds of British professional archaeologists are covered by IFA 'rules' irrespective of whether they deign to join the club. That is a sizeable achievement by any standard and one that would easily satisfy the conditions for acceptance as a chartered body.