Championing Archaeological Businesses

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Author: Doug Rocks-Macqueen

  • Archaeological Market Survey Report 2015/2016

    The latest Archaeological Market Survey report, produced by Landward Research on behalf of Historic England, FAME and CIfA is now available. 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.

    Key Findings

    • The market for archaeological services continued to expand in 2015-16
    • The numbers employed in the commercial sector rose and have returned to levels previously experienced in 2009
    • Turnover and profitability have increased across the sector and salaries have generally increased by more than the rate of inflation
    • The vast majority of income comes from private sector clients, with residential development being the most important market sector
    • Business confidence is high (but has been affected by the uncertainty following the EU referendum)
    • Employers are continuing to invest in skills training for their staff but fieldwork skills are still the most commonly reported as being lost
    • Numbers of archaeological staff providing expert advice to local planning authorities are still falling and this remains a serious concern for the sector

    Members can download the report from here.

  • New FAME Business Support Service

    fbss-imageFAME members can now access a suite of new business support services using their member login. Members can obtain up to date guidance, advice and template documents on a range of employment, health and safety, legal and business topics. Specific queries can be dealt with through a telephone helpline.

    If members have questions about their responsibilities as employers, what policies they need to have in place, or how to deal with particular issues, then the FAME Business Support Service is there to provide the answers.

    With the requirement on employers to have their own bespoke policies the new service replaces the FAME Health and Safety Manual and the FAME Employment Manual and provides a more up to date and responsive solution. In future FAME will be able to focus on providing detailed guidance on current issues specific to archaeology.

    To access the Business Support Service login to the members pages and follow the links. Here you will find a direct link to a separate website (you can view the site immediately, but to download documents you will need to additionally login with details sent to all members), and the telephone helpline.

    We think that this will provide a greatly enhanced level of service to our members and would welcome any feedback so we can continue to improve it. If you have any comments get in touch with FAME CEO Nick Shepherd at info@famearchaeology.co.uk

  • FAME respond to consultation on planning conditions

    FAME respond to consultation on planning conditions

    FAME have jointly responded, with the CIfA and the CBA,  to the governments consultation on planning conditions announced as part of the Neighbourhood Planning Bill.

    We have made clear that planning conditions play a crucial role in UK heritage protection and while we take note of numerous government statements that archaeology is not a target of the new proposals, we detail our concerns that changes might nevertheless have unforeseen consequences.

    Pre-commencement conditions in particular, and the early engagement that they entail, are crucial not only to avoid irreversible harm to heritage assets and their significance but also to provide advance clarity about archaeological requirements which might otherwise affect the viability of development and avoid unexpected discoveries which are likely to involve additional costs and delay.

    FAME and its partners will continue to press the government for reassurances that heritage protection and sustainable development will not undermined.

    The full text of the consultation response is available here:

    CIfA-FAME-CBA-response-to-consultation-on-improving-the-use-of-planning-conditionsDownload

  • Impact of BREXIT on commercial archaeological services

    FAME recently carried out a rapid survey of members on the impacts of BREXIT on their organisation, and their predictions for the future. The survey can be read in full by members here.

    The main findings were as follows:

    • Most businesses were experiencing steady or increasing workloads through 2016 despite Brexit
    • There was much more uncertainty for 2017,  with Brexit impacts expected once Article 50 is invoked
    • Mixed experiences with regard to staff shortages -some members are able to recruit while others struggle to find the right people
    • Concerns over the future impact of planning de-regulation affecting core business -despite the predicted (but possibly delayed) demand from infrastructure

    Overall our members are busy, although perhaps not growing as fast or under as much pressure as they were through 2014/2015 (mirroring the slowdown in growth across construction). There is great concern over Brexit going forward, but this stems more from uncertainty than from any confident predictions over the trajectory of the market.

    The results of the FAME/CIfA Archaeological Market Survey are due to be published soon and this will give a detailed picture of the health of our sector to just before the referendum. FAME will continue to collect data from its members over the coming months to help us understand the continuing impact of Brexit and what the key issues are for our members.

    In addition, watch out for more details on the joint FAME/CIfA session on Brexit at the next CIfA conference to be held in Newcastle on the 19th to 21st April.

  • CSCS cards for archaeologists -a joint statement from CIfA and FAME

    CSCS cards for archaeologists -a joint statement from CIfA and FAME

    • CSCS is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry. CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out.
    • The current system whereby most archaeologists gain CSCS accreditation will change in September 2017 when the current Construction Related Occupation (CRO) card is withdrawn. The CRO card was introduced in 2005 to cover occupations for which there was no nationally recognized qualification and does not require card-holders to demonstrate their skills.
    • CIfA and FAME have been working closely with CSCS to establish the appropriate mechanisms by which archaeologists can achieve CSCS accreditation following the withdrawal of the card. In line with other construction related professions, these will be based around vocational and/or academic qualifications and professional accreditation.
    • CIfA and FAME welcome the changes which recognize the high levels of expertise and skill required by archaeologists alongside other professionals in the construction industry. Both organisations are working hard to ensure that there is a smooth transition to the new arrangements for individuals and organisations.

    The following CSCS cards will be available for archaeologists

     Apprentices’ card – available to archaeologists on a recognised apprenticeship scheme provided it contains a basic health and safety element. Card valid for five years. No health and safety test required.

    Trainee card – available to students or trainees registered on a recognised training course. For an employers’ training scheme to be recognised by CSCS, it will need to be endorsed by CIfA, as the standards setting body for archaeology. CIfA will design a framework around National Occupational Standards, for all employers to use. Card valid for five years. Requires the basic (operative level) health and safety test.

    Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card – available to archaeologists with an ‘archaeology and heritage degree’. There is currently a lack of clarity from the scheme regarding what qualifies; to be resolved by CIfA, FAME and CSCS agreeing a list of courses. For reasons of pragmatism, these will be very broadly defined initially in order to ease the transition following the withdrawal of the CRO card. Requires the Manager level health and safety test. Valid for five years.

    Note: CSCS is proposing changes to the AQP route in future to ensure that candidates are able to demonstrate appropriate competence. CIfA and FAME understand that these changes will not be introduced for at least 6 months following the withdrawal of the CRO card.

    Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card – Will be available at three levels, equating to Operative, Supervisor and Manager (= PCIfA, ACIfA, MCIfA) – and with the three corresponding health and safety tests (card to be clearly marked to indicate which level test had been taken). Approval has already been gained for the PCIfA level card which can be applied for NOW (agreed by FAME and CIfA as the priority). Mapping for ACIfA and MCIfA will be undertaken late 16/early 17.  CIfA membership at appropriate level will need to be maintained in order for cards to be renewed. Card valid for five years.

     The Site Visitor card will still be available for those who visit sites in a monitoring role (i.e. those not working directly on site). This card can be used by senior/project manages, by consultants, and local authority curatorial staff.

     NOTE: The CSCS website is currently being updated to reflect the new option for the PIfA level PQP card. As further changes are made through 2016/17 the site will continue to be updated.

    Who should I contact at CIfA or FAME for further help or advice?

    If you are a CIfA member or Registered Organisation please contact Anna Welch at CIfA at anna.welch@archaeologists.net

    For CIfA membership related enquiries, please contact Lianne Birney at lianne.birney@archaeologists.net

    At FAME, you should contact Nick Shepherd at info@famearchaeology.co.uk

    You can contact CSCS via their helpline on 0344 994 4777 or via their website at www.cscs.uk.com/contact-us.  There is also an online cardfinder https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-finder/.

    To read the full statement, including some useful FAQs CLICK HERE.

  • CSCS Cards -a quick update

    CSCS Cards -a quick update

    The current system whereby most archaeologists gain CSCS accreditation will change in September 2017 when the current Construction Related Occupation card is removed.

    CSCS are doing this, on behalf of the wider construction industry, in order to tighten up accreditation across all professional and technical occupations. In particular it is now clear that the primary purpose of the CSCS card is not simply to accredit an individual in health and safety competence, but competence in their main job role (i.e. as an archaeologist).

    To respond to this FAME and CIfA are currently in discussions with CSCS as to how competence can be demonstrated for archaeologists, and this is likely to be be either by professional accreditation (e.g. CIfA, or IHBC) or by academic or vocational qualification.

    FAME and CIfA will soon publish a joint statement outlining the proposals for CSCS accreditation and how these might affect archaeologists working on construction sites that require the cards.

    In the meantime CSCS will continue to issue cards under the existing system and cards already issued will continue to be recognised.

    FAME members have already been consulted on the progress of negotiations with CSCS and a copy of the late draft proposals are available in the members library, here.

     

  • FAME’s Response to Redesdale on Planning Reform

    FAME’s Response to Redesdale on Planning Reform

    FAME has responded to Redesdale on planning reform which can be viewed here:

    Evidence-to-RedesdaleDownload
  • FAME position statement on archaeological archives

    FAME position statement on archaeological archives

    FAME undertook an extensive survey in 2012 of the problem for long-term storage of archives, and found there were 9000 homeless archives that had not been accepted by a museum or other repository (the report is available here). Since 2012 the problem has become worse, resulting in the potential value of archaeological archives being denied to the nation. FAME has now issued a position statement that makes clear its concerns around the value of archives and what it sees as the responsibilities and legal obligations of the local authority, developer, and their archaeological contractors. FAME will use this statement to guide collaboration with partners in seeking a solution, and to provide guidance to its members in their dealings.

    FAME believes that:?

    • The majority of archaeological investigation is commissioned and undertaken as part of the planning process;
    • Requirements for archive deposition, including transfer of legal ownership, should be made an explicit and transparent condition of planning permission, enforced by the planning authority on the applicant;
    •  Standard wording for archaeological conditions should include a specific statement on archives, e.g. Confirmation by the owner of the finds from the investigation that they will transfer title of the finds to a suitable repository, or alternatively that they wish to retain title to the finds;
    • There is a fundamental flaw in the planning process as there is no legal requirement for museums or other repositories to accept archaeological archives, and it is therefore the responsibility of the planning authority’s archaeological advisor to ensure that what is included within their brief, is reasonable and deliverable by the applicant;
    • It is an ethical and professional duty for all archaeologists to ensure an appropriately prepared archive, compliant with national standards, has been generated as output from any investigation;
    •  Archaeological archives can no longer be stored by the organizations that have excavated them once studies have been completed, because they are not the legal owners, and do not have facilities for long-term curation and display;
    • Commercial archaeologists risk potential liability from the owners if the artefacts are damaged or lost; and
    •  To ensure public benefit is achieved as intended within planning policy, national agencies and government departments responsible for heritage within the constituent countries of the UK need to resolve the current situation, and to ensure for the future a specific requirement for museums and appropriate repositories to take these archives for an appropriate fee from the applicants.

    The full statement can be downloaded here.

  • FAME Forum 2016: final programme and booking details

    Final details of this year’s FAME Forum in York are now available to download here, together with a booking form here.

    Alternatively, tickets can be booked directly through Eventbrite.

    The Forum is open to everyone,members and non members. Members have up to two tickets free (with additional tickets at £40). Non members can purchase tickets at £85 each.

    If you are a member, why not turn up the evening beforehand and attend the AGM (see below for details), or make a weekend of it with free admission to York Archaeological Trust attractions.

    Spaces are limited so please book early.

  • The Queen’s Speech: Proposed Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    FAME note the government’s plans to support growth and deliver new infrastructure through further proposed reform of the planning system and are concerned over the potential negative impact these could have for the protection of the UK’s archaeological heritage.

    Current planning policy places an emphasis on sustainable development,  balancing the needs of economic growth with, among other things, the interests of local communities and their interest in protecting and investigating historic and archaeological remains. This balance is achieved through a partnership between local authorities, developers and archaeologists whereby early stage surveys are undertaken to understand impact and so support sensitive design and successful planning applications. Such an approach is part of responsible due diligence whereby essential baseline information helps to identify risks for developers in their management of geotechnical, land quality, ecological or archaeological issues. Where development is likely to harm archaeological remains the potential for this harm is reduced or removed through the use, by local authorities, of pre-commencement planning conditions to manage the protection or recording of those remains.

    This partnership and this process has been developed over the past 25 years to ensure that homes and infrastructure get built, to help reduce the budget and programme risk to developers, as well as reducing the risk that the UK’s unique archaeological heritage might be damaged or lost. This is accomplished in large measure by FAME members who deliver substantial public benefit with minimal cost to the taxpayer, whilst also providing employment and contracts for local businesses.

    The government proposes to reform the use of pre-commencement planning conditions to address the following objectives:

    • To ensure that pre-commencement planning conditions are only imposed by local planning authorities where they are absolutely necessary.
    • To reduce excessive pre-commencement planning conditions that can slow down or stop the construction of homes after they have been given planning permission.
    • To tackle the overuse, and in some cases, misuse of certain planning conditions, and thereby ensure that development, including new housing, can get underway without unnecessary delay.

    FAME would be opposed to any implementation of this agenda where it weakened or reduced the effectiveness of the current policy to deliver a sustainable balance of economic and heritage conservation goals, and where it instead created risks for local communities, developers and archaeological remains. Our position is that in respect of archaeology, the current policy, which has been established over the past 25 years specifically to assist development and reduce public expenditure, works well.

    • A proper implementation of the current system already ensures that pre-commencement conditions for archaeological work are relatively rare and are already only imposed where absolutely necessary.
    • The current process allows for cost-effective early stage surveys to ensure developers can select sites where there will be no or minimal requirement for conditions, no delay, and certainly no stopping of development.
    • Where they are needed, conditions are already designed to mesh effectively with construction programmes with the express objective of reducing risks and delay.

    FAME will be scrutinising the detail of the proposals when they are available, and working with our partners in The Archaeology Forum, the heritage sector and more widely with those concerned with the protection of the natural landscape and habitats. Together we will work to ensure the government has the information it needs to fully understand the potentially dangerous, albeit unintended, consequences of its proposed policy changes, and is in the best position to implement change that will both encourage growth and protect our valuable archaeological heritage.