Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2022

G U I DA N C E F O R C L I E N T S PROFESSIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY | A GUIDE FOR CLIENTS 2022 13 ARCHAEOLOGY AND SOCIAL VALUE Engaging with professional archaeologists offers the opportunity for such organisations to demonstrate ▪ the value they place on ethics and integrity – professional archaeologists are bound by a code of conduct ▪ their respect for the environment – professional archaeologists know what is best for the historic environment ▪ responsible business conduct – many professional archaeological organisations are local and small businesses ▪ a contribution to training and capacity building – professional archaeologists have a strong training ethos and commitment to workplace learning The preceding two pages indicate how professional archaeologists can help clients meet many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), notably SDG3 Good health and well-being SDG4 Inclusive and quality education for all & promoting lifelong learning SDG5 Gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls SDG8 Sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment for all SDG9 Resilient infrastructure, innovation SDG11 Inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and settlements SDG12 Sustainable consumption and production SDG13 Climate action With construction responsible for so much of our emissions (eg 40% in the UK), re-use of existing buildings is preferable to newbuild wherever feasible: having a buildings archaeologist on the design team will help make the most of the existing stock. An archaeologist recording at Poundbury Farm ©Wessex Archaeology Social benefits can be closely linked to the historic environment, in particular benefits for individuals through learning and development and the ability to acquire new skills (such as volunteering). Community strength and cultural identity can be enhanced through contact with the historic environment through community heritage projects. These projects can engage diverse groups of people, from refugee groups to the homeless, young offenders and injured service personnel, offering new skills, confidence, the opportunity to become an active citizen and to connect with a shared human past. There is also evidence that engaging with the historic environment can make a significant contribution to community wellbeing and promote social and human capital, leading to improvement in health, wealth, and education. A professional archaeologist can tell you how to approach the investigation of the historic environment to bring the widest public benefit. Examples of projects showcasing a range of ways in which public benefit can be delivered are on our website at https://bit.ly/3v9pttq . Many larger companies monitor themselves against self- imposed criteria for responsible business performance, adherence to legal and ethical standards, and their contribution to society and social development.

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