31st August 2006, 03:24 PM
This situation is not unique to archaeology in local authorities. It is a serious issue in local government and is meant to be addressed by the concept of a 'chinese wall'. For archaeology, this would mean that the commercial arm shouldn't have any privleged knowledge of what the curators are doing (i.e. what is going through planning etc.), and the curators shouldn't unduly favour the commercial arm. It is the case that this system operates in a number of local authorities with in-house field archaeologists, including the one I happen to work for.
The arrangement is willingly supported by parent local authorities; it is certainly legal; and it has been recognised by the IFA - just check the list of Registered Archaeological Organisations.
Hal Dalwood
The arrangement is willingly supported by parent local authorities; it is certainly legal; and it has been recognised by the IFA - just check the list of Registered Archaeological Organisations.
Hal Dalwood