Championing Archaeological Businesses

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Author: Doug Rocks-Macqueen

  • Cold weather working

    Cold weather working

    Last week we shared The Diggers’ Forum’s guidance on warm weather working. While we are heading into the summer it is also important to bookmark their cold weather advice. You can access that document here: Diggers Forum cold weather working

    The Diggers’ Forum (DF) is a Special Interest Group of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists representing all archaeologists working out on site at whatever grade. They are committed to creating a positive, sustainable and financially viable career for all professional archaeologists at all points in their career, like FAME. Membership of the DF is open to all. Find out more here: https://www.archaeologists.net/groups/diggers

  • Warm weather working

    Warm weather working

    The Diggers’ Forum (DF) is a Special Interest Group of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists representing all archaeologists working out on site at whatever grade. They are committed to creating a positive, sustainable and financially viable career for all professional archaeologists at all points in their career, like FAME. Membership of the DF is open to all.

    They have put together some guidance on working in warm weather that should be shared more widely. You can download the document here – DF Warm Weather Working in Archaeology

    The document in html form:

    “Now we are well in to what shall optimistically be referred to as spring/summer, we are starting to think about those nice warm days and heady temperatures of above 17oC.

    I jest, but warmer weather is on the way and the Diggers’ Forum committee thought it was about time we put together a few handy hints and tips to help get through the summer (both weeks of it).

    Your employer should have a risk assessment for working in warm weather, make sure you are talking to your project management about any adaptations that could be made to keep you and your colleagues safe, for example, is your PPE suitable for the task you are undertaking?

    As outdoor workers Diggers are exposed to high temperatures for long periods, and are at a higher than average risk of overexposure to UV radiation. Along with those ridiculous tan lines, this can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and of course, skin damage which in turn can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.

    So, on that jolly note why not try to:

    Reschedule work for cooler times of the day, such as earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when levels of UVR are less intense. Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. We know that this is in fact an entirely ridiculous notion, alternatively, try to rotate between indoor/shaded and outdoor tasks to minimise exposure.

    Wear sunscreen. Ideally this should be of a high factor and re-applied regularly. In an ideal world your employer would provide a generic brand of sunscreen, and some do. However, it is important to acknowledge that individuals could have a variety of skin allergies and other requirements which could make this impractical. All things considered it’s perhaps just best to bring your own.

    Cover up. Yes, no one likes to wear long sleeves, and yes it is hot, but there is nothing sexy about cancer, and you do know that long-term sun exposure speeds up the skin’s ageing process, right? Dry and wrinkled skin? Nice.

    Drink plenty of cool water and keep hydrated. Your company should make sure that you are provided with sufficient drinking water.

    If you’re baking, the ground is too and prolonged mattocking is likely to lead to injury and contribute to Repetitive Strain Injury. And remember heat stroke is more likely when heavy physical work is being done, so pace your work rate.

    Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of salt and water from the body by excessive sweating. Left untreated it can lead to heat stroke so it is important to take care of yourself. Signs to look out for are:

    • Headache, dizziness and confusion
    • Loss of appetite and nausea
    • Sweating, with pale, clammy skin
    • Cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen

    Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related conditions, and is caused by the failure of the body to regulate temperature, resulting in the body becoming dangerously overheated. Symptoms include:

    • Headache, dizziness and discomfort
    • Restlessness and confusion
    • Hot, flushed and dry skin
    • Body temperature of above 40oC

    Take extra rest breaks, whenever you feel you need one (but don’t take the piss), and make sure there is shade in rest areas, remove PPE when resting to help encourage heat loss, and clothing (including PPE) should ideally not be tight or restricting, it should allow body heat to escape.

    Report any symptoms of heat stroke/exhaustion/burning to your supervisor or on-site first aider.

    Drink plenty of cool water and keep hydrated. Your company should make sure that you are provided with sufficient drinking water.

    Useful links:
    http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/managers.htm
    http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/outdoor.htm
    www.sunsafeworkplaces.co.uk

    “

  • A New OASIS

    A New OASIS

    OASIS (https://oasis.ac.uk/) is a data capture form through which archaeological and heritage practitioners can provide information about their investigations to local Historic Environment Records (HERs) and respective National Heritage Bodies. As well as being an information-gathering medium, the OASIS records also allow the practitioner/contractor to upload reports for the HERs to access and for release in the Library of the Archaeology Data Service (ADS).

    The current form dates back to 2004, and since its release has recorded over 30,000 projects in England and Scotland, with nearly 40,000 reports transferred into the ADS Library. Access to unpublished reports has been a major highlight of the old system, with the ADS ensuring long-term preservation, and also enabling sustainable citation via the creation of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs).

    Although a major success, the time is now right for the system to be rebuilt to accommodate a wider range of workflows, facilitate efficient public access to reports, and link digital and physical resources together. The redevelopment of the form is a key part of Historic England’s Heritage Information Access Strategy (HIAS), with additional funding from Historic Environment Scotland for incorporating reporting to Discovery and Excavation Scotland.

    The OASIS form is open to all types of project, including building recording, geophysical surveys and large-scale infrastructure projects. The new version focuses on the addressing the following core requirements that were reported back from a survey of the discipline in an earlier phase:

    • A system built to modern technical standards and design.
    • The ability to record less information, but record it more accurately using current standards and terminologies.
    • To overcome the problems that have led to backlogs of reports in the system, and to efficiently transfer reports into the ADS Library and provide citation for unpublished reports via use of DOIs.
    • Ability to directly edit a record at all times: allowing archive, publication details and additional reports to be added at a later date.
    • To incorporate and link to the new generation of Research Frameworks.
    • The ability to use an API to create, update and export data to/from your own system.

    The redevelopment project will be coming to an end in March 2020, with the public beta system being made available after that date. During the interim period, the ADS are looking to engage as much as the wider discipline as possible to make them aware of the forthcoming change, the benefits to individual sectors and to look for individuals or organisations that would like to sign up for testing the draft form over the next 12 months. As part of this effort, do look out for OASIS updates at relevant events and conferences, alternatively periodic updates on developments and enhancements are reported on the OASIS blog. If you are interested in finding out more about the project, or would like to register as a tester, please email herald@ads.ac.uk.

  • Design and integration of archaeology as part of a construction project

    For professionals in the construction sector looking to work with archaeologists or address heritage in your work we would like to share this article with you.

    Tim Malim, chair of the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) and technical director at SLR Consulting, explains how to get the best outcomes and plan effectively for capacity issues. The article can be downloaded from this link – P19-21 Archeology Builder & Engineer mag for June 2017

  • Record Levels of Commercial Investment and Employment for Archaeologists in the UK: Press Release

    Headlines

    Record Levels of Commercial Investment and Employment for Archaeologists in the UK.

    Summary

    The latest Archaeological Market Survey report is now available.

    Key Findings

    • £239m investment in the economy through applied archaeology
    • In financial year 2017-18 the sector grew in terms of the number of employees , financial turnover,and profit levels.
    • 6,812 people were employed as professional archaeologists in 2017-18 more than have ever been before, with 13% from the EU
    • The majority of businesses in the sector expected to expand significantly in the next year (2018-19) (e.g. in premises, vehicles, capital equipment)
    • The overwhelming majority of income came from private sector clients (83%, a slight increase from 81% in 2016-17) with residential housing as the biggest sector, but infrastructure projects were also important.
    • Much of this investment is dependent on the planning process having access to expert archaeological advice
    • East Anglia and the East Midlands were identified as the most prolific regions for archaeological investment as part of development
    • Despite this, the sector’s confidence in the future of the market was declining, and had been since 2015
    • Brexit and the under-resourcing of local government planning advice were still considered to be major concerns for the sector

    You can download the full report at www.archaeologists.net/profession/profiling

    Providing a unique analysis of the archaeological sector as part of the overall UK economy, the report is based on survey responses from FAME members and CIfA Registered Organisations.

    The report was produced by Landward Research on behalf of Historic England, the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

    Press release

    Date

    13 March 2019

    Issued by

    Rob Lennox, Policy Advisor, CIfA

    rob.lennox@archaeologists.net

    Note on the organisations

    The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) is the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas. CIfA promotes high professional standards and strong ethics in archaeological practice, to maximise the benefits that archaeologists bring to society, and provides a self-regulatory quality assurance framework for the sector and those it serves.

    CIfA has over 3,700 members and over 80 registered practices across the United Kingdom. Its members work in all branches of the discipline: heritage management, planning advice, excavation, finds and environmental study, buildings recording, underwater and aerial archaeology, museums, conservation, survey, research and development, teaching and liaison with the community, industry and the commercial and financial sectors.

    The Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) is the distinctive voice of archaeological employers and managers, and the only organisation solely devoted to representing their interests within the profession and the business world.FAME represents one in three archaeological practitioners, employing the majority of archaeologists across the UK. Its membership includes over 50 archaeological practices, from small consultancies to all the largest contractors, from educational charities, commercial companies, universities and local authorities across England, Scotland,Wales and Ireland. In addition to representing its members’ interests in matters of policy, its aims are to foster an understanding of archaeology across the construction and development sector and promote best professional practice, training and development, and a safe and healthy work environment. https://famearchaeology.co.uk/

    Enquiries about this press release please contact:

    1. +44 (0) 118 966 2841

    kate.geary@archaeologists.net

  • Job: FAME CEO

    FAME, the voice of commercial archaeology managers and employers, is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive to represent FAME with major stakeholders and to take lead responsibility for FAME’s advocacy work, with effect from June 2019 when the current post holder is due to step down.

    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 organization of the annual AGM and networking Forum. FAME’s secretariat includes a Deputy CEO and membership support services, an honorary treasurer, as well as 12 directors who serve as the management board.

    The engagement is proposed on a consultancy fee basis for a three year period with the possibility of extension. Availability for some shadowing during May – June would be beneficial as part of the hand-over process. Applications by letter to the Chair, with backing cv and personal vision for leading FAME forward over the next three – five years.

    End date for applications 17th March, short-listing and interviews by end of March.

    For a role specification and a confidential discussion on what is involved in this new, key role in the heritage sector, please contact either the FAME Chair, Tim Malim, at tmalim@slrconsulting.com the Vice-Chair, Chris Brayne at c.brayne@wessexarch.co.uk or the current CEO Nick Shepherd nsprojects.uk@gmail.com

  • FAME H&S survey is open

    Part of FAME’s Health & Safety strategy is the compilation of industry data to allow organisations to benchmark their performance against figures for the whole sector. We have created a very short survey to collect this data and would request that you support FAME by answering it. There are a maximum of ten questions – depending on your circumstances some won’t apply to you.

    All answers will remain anonymous.

    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W9LM9MW

  • Stress policy example

    Stress policy example

    Several weeks ago we highlighted the resources available at the Health and Safety Executive website. This week we would like to highlight one of the their specific resources, the example stress policy. The H&SE website has an example stress policy that organisations can use to craft their own. It is well worth using for your organisation:

    Introduction

    We are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees. We recognise that workplace stress is a health and safety issue and acknowledge the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors. This policy will apply to everyone in the company. Managers are responsible for implementation and the company is responsible for providing the necessary resources.

    Definition of stress

    The Health and Safety Executive define stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them”. This makes an important distinction between pressure, which can be a positive state if managed correctly, and stress which can be detrimental to health.

    Policy

    • The company will identify all workplace stressors and conduct risk assessments to eliminate stress or control the risks from stress. These risk assessments will be regularly reviewed.
    • The company will consult with Trade Union Safety Representatives on all proposed action relating to the prevention of workplace stress.
    • The company will provide training for all managers and supervisory staff in good management practices.
    • The company will provide confidential counselling for staff affected by stress caused by either work or external factors.
    • The company will provide adequate resources to enable managers to implement the company’s agreed stress management strategy.

    Read the full example here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/downloads.htm

  • FAME Forum 2019 Dates

    Thursday 20th June, 5.30pm FAME AGM, Barley Hall York

    Friday 21st June, FAME Forum, Merchant Taylors Hall, York

    The theme of this year’s Forum will be ‘Building a culture of well-being’ –and we will be asking the question ‘are archaeological employers doing enough to create a safe environment for their employees?’ The day will bring together examples of best practice across a range of areas looking at changing legislation and regulation, CDM issues, employee perspectives, and wider topics of well-being such mental health and diversity. The aim will be to equip senior managers to understand the range of current issues and how to address them within their organisations.

    In addition, FAME will look to provide an overview of the industry/market and the likely challenges running into 2020. As usual, the Forum is also a great opportunity to catch up with other members and network with new faces.

    If you or others within your organisation would like to present a paper on the day get in touch with CEO Nick Shepherd at info@famearchaeology.co.uk.

    Registration details will be available shortly.

  • The Archaeology Training Forum awards – Call for Nominations

    The Archaeology Training Forum Award recognises and promotes best practice in training or professional development in archaeology. The award aims to recognise excellence in the fields of learning, training and professional development and is open to archaeological organisations, individuals, partnerships and collaborative projects throughout the United Kingdom, whether paid or voluntary. Entries must demonstrate an overall commitment to learning or training, and an innovative approach to best practice. In particular the judges will be looking for entries which:

    • Have been designed to address skills training needs within the sector
    • Demonstrate clear benefits that go beyond the organisation itself, for example a contribution to the historic environment sector, engage a community, increase knowledge and skills for individual employee, or enhance the experience of archaeology for volunteers. * If appropriate, relate to the National Occupational Standards
    • Contribute to Continued Professional Development
    • Demonstrate an innovative approach or involve the development of best practice
    • Are run in accordance with recognised professional standards and ethics
    • Entries might include:
    • Development and successful implementation of innovative training plans
    • Innovative ways of maximising limited training resources or of supporting professional development
    • New ways of recognising and rewarding on the job learning
    • Developing staff or volunteer skills
    • Transfer of skills/succession planning
    • Partnerships between employers and educators or between professional and amateur groups

    The Award is judged by an ATF panel usually including representatives from the Council for British Archaeology, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, FAME, the National Heritage Agencies, Higher Education, and from last year’s winning entry. The 2018 Award was presented to Historic England and CIfA at the CIfA Conference in Brighton on 25th April 2018, with Headland Archaeology being Highly Commended. You can find more information about previous winners at the ATF website at this link archaeologytraining.org.uk/atf-award/award-archive/

     

    The call for nominations for the 2019 Award is now open. The successful project(s) will be announced at the CIfA conference in Leeds, April 2019.