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Registered Organisations (ROs)
The IfA recognises that those commissioning archaeological work wish to be confident that the archaeologists undertaking the commission subscribe to codes of professional conduct and practice, and are subject to strict sanctions should they transgress. Archaeologists adhering to the by-laws of the Institute will ensure that they have the requisite skills to provide informed and reliable advice, and will prepare and/or execute schemes of work appropriate to the circumstances. They will ensure that archaeological work is specified, commissioned, designed and undertaken to accepted professional and ethical standards, and they will seek to minimise uncertainty, delay and cost.
For those reasons, anyone wishing to secure the services of an archaeologist is strongly recommended to contact a Registered Organisation (RO) or an MIfA grade member of the IfA.
The Institute maintains a register of organisations committed to meeting IfA standards with regard to quality of archaeological work, employment practices, contributions to community benefits and development of the archaeological profession. The Register is a rigorous Quality Assurance scheme for archaeologists. To be accepted, an organisation must:
Heads of ROs (Responsible Post-holders) will have a track record of responsibility for substantial archaeological projects. They personally undertake to be bound by the IfA Code of conduct, and are responsible for ensuring that work will adhere to this Code.
Users of the services of an IfA Registered Organisation can commission work with confidence. There is no equivalent QA system in archaeology. The registration scheme also provides a procedure for handling complaints. We will investigate, and take action if necessary.
The IfA is unable to comment on work by non-registered archaeologists.
With a Registered Organisation you can expect your work to be carried out to the nationally accepted standards which local authority archaeologists and planners insist upon.
Click here for a list of Registered Archaeological Organisations.
Click here if you want to register your organisation.
Organisations registered with the IfA are committed to meeting IfA standards.
- They have formally resolved to carry out their work in line with the IFA Code of conduct and other by-laws
- Their archaeological work is controlled by a Member of the Institute (MIfA)
- Their status as a registered organisation is reviewed every two years by the IFA
- Complaints will be investigated by the Institute, and disciplinary action taken if necessary.
When approaching ROs and MIfAs it is advisable to enquire whether the organisation or individual can assure you that
- they have experience and understanding relevant to the task in hand
- they can provide personnel with appropriate skills, qualifications and IfA membership grades for the work
- they can meet the time constraints
- they have a suitable infrastructure for, and track record of, undertaking work of a similar scale
