27th November 2009, 12:47 PM
Very difficult following this thread as an outsider (archaeologist working in a different country). Trying to understand the gist of YellowPete's comments earlier:
Question, in a non-idealist view, what would drive the competition for increased skills? I don't think it would be a case of efficiency as it is more efficient to do a quick and bad job. I don't see how a developer client is interested in skills as long as the job gets done as cheaply as possible, so having more qualified staff isn't going to win contracts. So what's in it for the employer? (Accepting my own cynicism).
I believe that there has to eventually be enforced legal standards in some way, something that is a long way down the road (perhaps the same as H&S legislation was 50 years ago).
However the fact that there is debate about these issues is promising, and it is encumbent on the IfA to promote standards and hold its members to account. That's not the same as policing the marketplace unless it can stand by its judiciary procedure.
I don't believe it is the IfA's place to be judge and jury, I believe that it should, however, be called in as an expert witness.
YellowPete Wrote:employers then become involved in wanting to push and build up the skills of the staff so as to provide a basis for competion,
Question, in a non-idealist view, what would drive the competition for increased skills? I don't think it would be a case of efficiency as it is more efficient to do a quick and bad job. I don't see how a developer client is interested in skills as long as the job gets done as cheaply as possible, so having more qualified staff isn't going to win contracts. So what's in it for the employer? (Accepting my own cynicism).
I believe that there has to eventually be enforced legal standards in some way, something that is a long way down the road (perhaps the same as H&S legislation was 50 years ago).
However the fact that there is debate about these issues is promising, and it is encumbent on the IfA to promote standards and hold its members to account. That's not the same as policing the marketplace unless it can stand by its judiciary procedure.
I don't believe it is the IfA's place to be judge and jury, I believe that it should, however, be called in as an expert witness.