About CIfA Groups

CIfA's Groups and Networks represent different specialisms, geographical areas and themes across the historic environment sector. 

They were formed by CIfA members who want to promote the Institute's work and provide a forum for discussion regarding good practice and assist in setting high professional standards. Groups also present specialist views through the Advisory Council and respond to consultations from external bodies when requested. Each Group is led by volunteers. They give their time to promote the Institute's work.

Connecting with CIfA's Groups and Networks will keep you up to date with current policy and professional practice through meetings, CPD training events, and e-newsletters.

Explore Area Groups  Explore Special Interest Groups  Explore Networks

Being a member of a CIfA Group provides a range of benefits including 

  • discussion about concerns and good practice within a geographical area or specialism
  • newsletters and ebulletins developed by the Group
  • Group led events and learning including day conferences, bitesize CPD sessions or specialism training opportunities
  • networking or discussion opportunities
  • involvement in relevant consultations, policy debate and research requests

How to join a CIfA group

For CIfA Members

If you are a CIfA member, you can join any CIfA Network, Area or Special Interest Group that matches your interests. 

  • Log in to your CIfA account Member Area
  • Go to the My groups & lists section of your profile
  • Select the Group(s) and Networks you’d like to join (there's no limit to how many you can join)
  • Your Group or Network membership will be added to your account

Once joined you’ll receive any Group communications and can take part in events, discussions, and activities.

Watch this video for step by step instructions for CIfA members to join any Group or Network.

For non-CIfA members

You don’t need to be a CIfA member to join a CIfA Group. All of our Area or Special Interest groups welcome non-members to join their mailing lists and activities by registering as a Group Supporter.

  • Joining a Group does not require CIfA membership
  • This enables you to receive all of the benefits of the Group which CIfA members receive, but only for the specific Group you join

More information about joining a Group as a group supporter can be found on the Join as a Group supporter webpage, or you can register to join any Groups using this simple form. 

Not sure which option applies to you?

If you’re unsure how to join, whether a Group is right for you, or need help with the process, you can email groups@archaeologists.net for guidance. We're always happy to point you in the right direction!

Volunteer on a CIfA group committee

Being part of CIfA allows you to take an active role in supporting and shaping the profession. We draw on the expertise and knowledge of CIfA professionals in all our work. The best way to influence is to get involved.

Being part of a CIfA Group allows you to work on important issues within your specialism or area and advise CIfA. To find out more please have a look at the individual group pages and the links below.

CIfA Group Volunteering Opportunities

CIfA Group Volunteering Opportunities 

Are you looking to get more involved with CIfA and have a direct impact on the future of the profession?

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities for members across CIfA’s Group committees in a variety of roles.

To learn more about the groups aims please see their Groups webpages above.

Look out for the AGM notices and Group bulletins for details about vacancies or email groups@archaeologists.net for more information.

FAQs about CIfA Group Volunteering

Who can join a committee?

Chair, Vice-chair or Secretary positions can only be held by accredited members. Ordinary committee members can be accredited and non-accredited members (Student or Affiliate).

Where and when are the meetings held?

Mainly on Zoom or Teams and are held at least four times per year. This includes an annual meeting where the wider Group membership will also be in attendance.  In person committee meetings do still happen sometimes and will be in various locations depending on where committee members are based. Attendance at in person meetings is not compulsory.

Please note that we understand members have other commitments and we do not expect them to attend all the meetings or be available all the time. Some committees hold their meetings during working hours, others prefer to hold theirs in the evening.

How do I join a Group committee?

Look out for the call for nominations prior to the group AGMs throughout the year and complete a nomination form, with a nominator and one seconder. You can also find vacancies listed on the JIST bulletin or on the Groups webpages. If you need any help please email groups@archaeologists.net.

Why should I join a committee?

Reasons members have given include:

  • developing a network of professionals outside of your own organisation
  • activities and experiences that contribute to your own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours
  • influencing policy and practice
  • contributing to the development of the profession by giving something back
  • contributing to your profession and your Institute
  • reasonable travel expenses are paid for

More details can be found here.

What experience do I need? 

For Group volunteering you do not need any experience, but a familiarity with Group committees would be useful. We have a Groups Toolkit to help support new committee members alongside the existing committee members and staff. There can also be opportunities to shadow committee members to learn about what is involved.

A member of staff, our Member Engagement Coordinator is also on hand to support with any queries you may have and to help you feel part of the CIfA team!

What is the time commitment?

Existing volunteers estimate that the total time-commitment for any Group committee role is a minimum of five hours per month, although this can vary. For more information about the time commitment for a specific role please get in touch.

Get in touch

If you have any further questions about the role or need any support in volunteering, please contact us for an informal chat on groups@archaeologists.net.

Setting up a new CIfA group

Interested in setting up your own Network, Area or Special Interest Group? 

Please read the Regulations governing area and special interest groups (see below) and contact us at groups@archaeologists.net before submitting a proposal. This helps us to manage staff resources and offer support on the different formats.

CIfA Group types - guidance documents

Groups are able to operate as an Area or Special Interest Group (SIG), Working Group, or Network, depending on their focus and level of activity.

This framework gave Groups the flexibility to choose the model that best supported their aims—whether that is shaping professional standards and practice, delivering time-limited projects, or creating informal spaces to share ideas and resources. It also made it easier for members to get involved, strengthened engagement, and allowed volunteers to focus on what they did best - attracting and supporting members and connecting them with professional communities.

To view the regulations and guidelines for the updated Group types, please see the documents below.