CIfA volunteers
In 2025, over 300 people volunteered with CIfA by contributing their time and expertise through our 19 Area and Special Interest Groups, our Advisory Council, our Board of Directors, the Validation committee, the Registrations committee, consultation advisors and our CPD workshops. Our volunteers extend the reach and scope of our work, they ensure CIfA activities take place throughout the UK, and they help us make the right decisions as to the future direction of the Institute.
Volunteering at CIfA allows industry professionals to be at the forefront of the latest discussion and participate in key decision making, actions that ultimately change the profession for the better. Whilst volunteering members can benefit from valuable CPD, networking opportunities and a powerful chance to contribute to the sector meaningfully.
Driven by feedback, Staff work behind the scenes to enhance CIfA's volunteering offer, which includes addressing the barriers to volunteering (like travel and care expenses, working hours and other commitments) and promoting more widely volunteer vacancies. As a membership organisation, CIfA is lead by member contributions and ideas and therefore widening access remains a key priority.
Interested in getting involved but not sure where to start? Find inspiration on our Get Involved page or email us directly: admin@archaeologists.net.
Benefits of volunteering within the Institute
Why get involved with volunteering with CIfA? Hear what some of our past and present volunteers have to say.
Going further
There are plenty of ways volunteers can make a difference with archaeology organisations and projects.
If you are interested in creating space for volunteers in your work, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has guidance on their website for developing volunteer opportunities for your project.
If you are interested in volunteering within archaeology and based in the UK, there are many places to look:
- The Council for British Archaeology have a list of ways you can get involved with them and local community archaeology.
- If you are based in Scotland, Archaeology Scotland have a dedicated page to signpost community heritage projects across the country.
- If you are based in Wales, CADW have a page about ways you can get involved with the organisation.
- Many of our Registered Organisations also have volunteering roles. Availability and types of roles do vary, but enthusiasm will always be appreciated. Find a Registered Organisation near you.
Don’t forget – if you are interested in volunteering with CIfA – we would love to hear from you! Check out our page for different ways you can get involved, or email us directly: admin@archaeologists.net.