RAOs

[ecmgardner]

Hi everyone,

I had an interesting debate yesterday about, surprise, surprise, how to improve pay and conditions. I know there are several curators here and I'd like to ask your opinion. The main query was, as the IFA (and BAJR) stipulate pay minima and govern professional standards, why is there not a strict stipulation on archaeological planning conditions that all work must be carried out by an IFA RAO? Thus empowering the IFA to police the profession (and giving a real penalty to organisations struck off the list for whatever reason).

One of the reasons put forward for not doing this was the 'closed shop' argument, which was countered by examples of similar bodies governing other professions such as the General Medical Council, The Law Society etc.

It seemed too simple a solution - there has to be a fatal flaw in this argument, but not having curatorial experience I can't see it. Can you enlighten me?

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT criticism, I would simply like to further my understanding of the issue.

[historic building]

Cannot do this as it would be an illegal, unsupported restraint of trade for those that are not RAOs (yes I have explored this with council lawyers). I can advise on the use of an RAO, and use Registration as a qualification for appearing on a list of contractors or simply direct inquiries to the RAO list at the IFA.

Other curators may have had different legal advice.

[BAJR Host]

Thats the same from our Lawyers... and BAJRs stance is that as the IFA are not an 'official' professional organisation, then a curator may as well ask that all diggers wear gimp suits and be members of the Blue Peter badge winners club... see how far that would get with lawyers

Before a stipulation such as that could be made, then archaeology needs a governing body.

BAJR does not set wages per ce... it/I have no rights to do that.. by the way. My only rule is that to advertise on BAJR, there are minima... companies are free to advertise elsewhere... the IFA as yet, do not refuse underpaying adverts.. but they do comment to companies that do..



"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[ecmgardner]

Thank you - I knew it was too simple to work in reality LOL!!

quote: "a curator may as well ask that all diggers wear gimp suits and be members of the Blue Peter badge winners club... see how far that would get with lawyers "

Gimp suits and Blue Peter badges for all ;o)

[Gog]

Hi viz gimp suits, of course.

[gumbo]

Bring out the gimp...the county arch is visiting

[BAJR Host]

Ed's Dead baby... Ed's dead.

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[oldgirl]

Good set of answers. It's also why IFA are trying to push the idea of 'chartered' status for archaeologists.

I wonder if they make gimp suits in my size........

[Curator Kid]

I'll give a free SMR search to the first unit that has a gimp digging on site when I'm doing a visit :face-approve:

[m300572]

"Bring out the gimp...the county arch is visiting"

I thought that WAS the County Archaeologist