BAJR Wrote:where is the problem at the moment? Is there an increasing problem with unregulated non-IfA companies producing sub-standard work and then laughing in the face of authority, as nobody can stop them?
This is fundamental... if there is a problem, I have not seen it.
This is the key question, from what I have seen the "problem" is with companies, RAO s included who are cutting corners with the archaeology and with the employment conditions of their staff to get a commercial edge over their rivals. I would go as far as saying that staff are suffering rather than the archaeology. I am not sure what forcing people down the route of RAO would do as in the commercial sector remaining financially viable is key and despite everyone's good intentions will dominate how companies are run. I am not against regulation but it needs policing and I am not sure how this can be done when Local Government Archaeology Services are in crisis.
Addressing this crisis is a far more important issue.