1st January 2007, 09:40 PM
Quote:quote:The IFA recognises that those commissioning archaeological work wish to be confident that the archaeologists undertaking the commission subscribe to codes of professional conduct and practice, and are subject to strict sanctions should they transgress. Archaeologists adhering to the by-laws of the Institute will ensure that they have the requisite skills to provide informed and reliable advice, and will prepare and/or execute schemes of work appropriate to the circumstances. They will ensure that archaeological work is specified, commissioned, designed and undertaken to accepted professional and ethical standards, and they will seek to minimise uncertainty, delay and cost.
For those reasons, anyone wishing to secure the services of an archaeologist is strongly recommended to contact a Registered Archaeological Organisation (RAO) or a full Member of the IFA (MIFA).
The Institute maintains a register of organisations committed to meeting IFA standards with regard to quality of archaeological work, employment practices, contributions to community benefits and development of the archaeological profession. The Register is a rigorous Quality Assurance scheme for archaeologists. To be accepted, an organisation must:
Include in its constitution a resolution that it will comply with the IFA Code of conduct and meet IFA standards
Demonstrate adherence to these standards through annual registration and a detailed questionnaire
Pass regular inspection visits of its offices, excavations and publication programme by a committee of its peers and IFA staff
Be supervised by a Member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists (MIFA), our highest grade of membership
Heads of RAOs will have a track record of responsibility for substantial archaeological projects. They personally undertake to be bound by the IFA Code of conduct, and are responsible for ensuring that work will adhere to this Code.
Users of the services of an IFA-registered organisation can commission work with confidence. There is no equivalent QA system in archaeology. The registration scheme provides a procedure for handling complaints. We will investigate, and take action if necessary.
IFA is unable to comment on work by non-registered archaeologists.
With a Registered Archaeological Organisation you can expect your work to be carried out to the nationally accepted standards which local authority archaeologists and planners insist upon.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu