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 17 Staff on site in fog ©Archaeological Services WYAS WORKING WITH PROFESSIONALLY ACCREDITED ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND REGISTERED ORGANISATIONS INDIVIDUAL ACCREDITATION Archaeologists can be professional (accredited) or non- professional (not accredited). An accredited archaeologist, like any professional person, is bound by an ethical code, has demonstrated necessary technical and ethical competence, and is subject to the oversight of their peers. A professional archaeologist can be trusted to carry out work to high professional standards and in the public interest. A professional archaeologist will not sell you services you do not need and will help you to carry out your obligations in a way that is beneficial to you and to others. Using accredited archaeologists assures clients that the work will meet their needs and the needs of the public. CIfA has three progressive levels of accreditation. CIfA Members (MCIfA) are accredited professionals with the highest level of understanding of the sector and its requirements, able to take full responsibility and be accountable for their own work and to deal with complex issues. Individuals can also be accredited as Associates (ACIfA) and Practitioners (PCIfA) . All levels of accreditation demonstrate a commitment to professional practice and recognition of a certain level of knowledge and experience, but archaeological projects should be led by a Member. REGISTERED ORGANISATIONS Registered Organisations are businesses and suppliers of archaeological services that are also accredited by CIfA. The Registered Organisations scheme is a unique quality assurance scheme for the historic environment. It is a badge of commitment to professional ethics, standards, competence and accountability. Registered Organisations have demonstrated the requisite skills to provide informed and reliable advice, and execute schemes of work appropriate to the circumstances, minimising uncertainty, delay and cost. Your project needs will determine the type of accredited archaeologist you want. Usually a consultant archaeologist can point you in the right direction, but it is worth knowing that different consultants and specialists are used to working for different clients and on different types of project. All these archaeologists are professional experts in their own field, but virtually none is an expert across the whole field. Be clear on the nature of your project when you approach archaeologists to tender for work or to provide advice.