Championing Archaeological Businesses

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Author: Doug Rocks-Macqueen

  • Fencing and Security of Archaeological Excavations – A FAME H&S Guide

    Archaeological organisations have a duty of care to prevent danger arising from their work. In the United Kingdom, this is enforced through the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and in Ireland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (as amended) (SHWWA). The focus is often on the archaeologists, but we, archaeologists, need to consider ensuring the work area and excavations do not pose a risk to others who may come onto the site as visitors or trespassers.

    In construction, fencing is usually addressed by a client or Principal Contractor (PC) if the project falls within the CDM regulations in the UK. In Ireland, if the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations (Amended 2021) (SHWWCR) apply, then it is the responsibility of the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS). However, most stand-alone archaeology projects are not subject to CDM in the UK (see FAME Health & Safety Technical Guide 0), and this guide is intended for situations where the archaeology organisation has to make the fencing decisions.

    The FAME Health and Safety Working Group creates our Health and Safety Guides to provide detailed practical advice to our members and for the archaeological sector. You can download the guide below. They rarely change but occasional updates do occur and it is best to check this page for the most recent version.

    FAME Guide – Fencing and Security of ExcavationsDownload

  • Job: CEO of FAME

    This job posting is now closed.

    FAME is seeking to review its Chief Executive role to provide the trade association with a strategic lead for the development and delivery of its aims and objectives. The appointee will take responsibility for FAME’s advocacy work and represent FAME with major stakeholders, with effect from July 2026.

    This is a role for an independent, senior figure with a detailed understanding of the historic environment sector looking to play an influential part in driving significant improvements in policy and operations affecting commercial archaeology in the UK and Ireland.

    The role requires excellent communication and leadership skills, diplomacy and the ability to represent FAME’s diverse membership right across the UK and Ireland without actual or perceived conflict. The proposed engagement is based on a flexible approach, attending events and meetings as required.

    On average, this part-time role requires five days a month, including attendance at various meetings around the UK and Ireland, preparation and attendance at quarterly meetings of the FAME Management Board, and organisation of the annual AGM and networking Forum.

    FAME’s secretariat includes a Deputy CEO, and the secretariat reports to the Chair, Vice-Chair, Honorary Treasurer, and directors who serve as the management board.

    The engagement is proposed on a consultancy fee basis initially for a three-year period with the possibility of extension. As appropriate, availability for some shadowing during June would be beneficial as part of a hand-over process.

    To apply for this position, please submit your CV and personal vision for leading FAME forward over the next three – five years to the Chair, Tim Malim, at: hamptonheritageltd@gmail.com

    End date for applications 28th February, short-listing and interviews before the end of March.

    For a role specification and a confidential discussion on what is involved in this key role in the heritage sector, please contact either:

    the FAME Chair, Tim Malim, at hamptonheritageltd@gmail.com;

    or the Vice-Chair, Rob Sutton Robert.Sutton@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk.

    Job Description and Person Specifications:

    FAME CEO person specDownload

  • Gaining an understanding of soil carbon and its management in an archaeological context

    Historic England has commissioned research to better understand carbon loss from soil during archaeological excavation.  The report outlines the properties and dynamics of carbon in soil and the potential effects of archaeological investigations on these. It identifies ways in which soil carbon loss can be mitigated and managed through planning and practice.

    The report introduces the science of soil and soil carbon with reference to the impact of archaeological interventions. Different estimated carbon loss scenarios are described for trial trenching and area excavation, with values for carbon loss shown, based on the area disturbed and the duration of disturbance. The report highlights the complexity of the subject, particularly in accurately measuring soil carbon.

    This new work is relevant to individuals and organisations commissioning or undertaking archaeological excavation as it contributes to ongoing discussions about archaeology, carbon reduction plans and sustainability.  Recommendations are given for how soil carbon losses can be minimised by changes in practice, for example, around soil management and timing of backfilling.

    If you’d like to hear more about this subject from the report’s author, Historic England are running a webinar at 1pm on the 25th February 2026.

  • Using the FAME Carbon Calculator for Commercial Archaeology

    A presentation at the 2025 FAME Forum by Spring Environmental.

    https://youtu.be/-hxPIQ7udQI

  • Workshop two: “Ouch I’m new here” – mitigating the risks to new starters.

    A presentation from the FAME H&S group at the 2025 FAME Forum.

  • FAME Carbon Calculator Updated – December 2025

    We have updated the FAME Carbon Calculator to version 2.22. It now includes hotels and subsistence. Staying locally has a big potential to reduce the carbon impact of the delivery of some archaeological projects. You can find the new version here: https://famearchaeology.co.uk/what-we-do/environment-sustainability/

  • FAME at Fifty: how mature is archaeological business?

    A presentation from Tim Malim, Chair, FAME Board & Director, Hampton Heritage Design & Consultancy Ltd, at the 2025 FAME Forum.

  • FAME@50 – Leading Health and Safety in Archaeology

    A presentation from Luke Brannlund Safety, Health and Environment Manager, Cotswold Archaeology & Chair, FAME Health & Safety Group, at the 2025 FAME Forum.

  • Historic England and Commercial Archaeology: reflections on current and future priorities

    A presentation from Barney Sloane, National Specialist Services Director, Historic England, at the 2025 FAME Forum.

  • Contract Risk

    A presentation from Tariq Mian, Head of Heritage – Archaeology & Heritage Insurance Division, Towergate Insurance, at the 2025 FAME Forum.