What did/do you enjoy about being on Advisory Council/the Board?
| Hearing the views of experienced colleagues on issues which affect our sector. | Board member |
| The opportunity to shape CIfA and our profession for the better - trying to make the Institute more helpful, useful and valuable to its members. | Board Chair |
| Broad based conversations, Range of opinions from Board members with varied experience, A clear common goal to uphold standards and advance the archaeology profession | Board member |
| Being able to to provide a link between CIfA and the those of early careers and the commercial sector, in a way that will hopefully help to shape the institute for future generations | Board member |
| I enjoy the insight the position gives me about the governance and decisions facing the Institute | Board member |
| I feel like I am actively participating in trying to shape the work of CIfA and outcomes for the profession. | Advisory Council member |
| I enjoy learning about the industry and the wide range of people and jobs within it, how they intersect, and what can make this a better profession for everyone involved. | Advisory Council member |
| Being part of an informed and professional group | Advisory Council member |
| The opportunity to meet colleagues from across the archaeological spectrum while appreciating the role of the Advisory Council and its relationship with the Board. | Advisory Council member |
What skills, experience or qualities do you think you need?
| To be willing to speak up, to be articulate, to be willing to hear the views of others especially where they differ from your own. | Board member |
| Grit. Thick skin. Leadership. Persuasion. Networking. Ability to set a plan then actually deliver it. Practical experience delivering archaeology and working with clients. Experience overseeing finances. Ability to distinguish real priorities from secondary issues and distractions. | Board Chair |
| Commercial experience and Membership engagement | Board member |
| I had no experience in being on a board of directors or in governance but this I was supported through the application process so I was fully aware what I was signing up for | Board member |
| Whatever life experiences you can bring; unless going for a specialised post. You also need to personable, empathetic, logical and demonstrate good leadership skills, and a sense of loyalty from others. | Board member |
| Ability to work collaboratively to meet the goals of the Council, Board and support the professionals represented | Advisory Council member |
| Communication, respect for other views, - to be able to build confidence in conveying yourself. | Advisory Council member |
| I don't think you need any special skills to do this, just a viewpoint that needs representing, a willingness to speak up, and a desire to improve the profession | Advisory Council member |
| Some understanding of the sector and your area of expertise within that | Advisory Council member |
| The Advisory Council is a platform for all professionals irrespective of any specific skill and whether you are in your first post or near the end of a long career. Brining your specific skill set to Council will enrich discussion, while having an ability to speak and contribute to discussion is key. | Advisory Council member |
What motivated you to volunteer for Advisory Council/the Board?
| To contribute ideas and time to help our sector. I thought it may help our sector and the people in it. | Board member |
| Fury over salaries in the sector; determination to see CIfA deliver real value to its membership. | Board Chair |
| Opportunity to contribute to something that is valuable to England’s history and culture | Board member |
| I had conversations with the chair at the time, who thought it would be really valuable to have someone on the board who could bring a voice of those in early careers to the board discussions | Board member |
| My support network | Board member |
| To forge a closer link with landscape professionals | Advisory Council member |
| I wanted to give back something meaningful, and to help represent archaeologists in the jurisdiction in which I live. | Advisory Council member |
| I was motivated to join the Advisory Council when I saw how few diggers engage with CIfA, whether through lack of opportunity or willingness. I wanted to provide more representation of field staff and also understand better the issues facing the wider profession better. | Advisory Council member |
| Put something back in and contribute to shaping the future | Advisory Council member |
| I have been a member of CIfA for a long time and felt I should put myself forward for a three-year term in order to give something back to the profession. | Advisory Council member |
What benefits have you gained from being involved?
| I have got to know new people and I have taken part in some projects which have influenced the sector. | Board member |
| It's really not about what I get out it. | Board Chair |
| Opportunity to meet new people and learn something new whilst also using my experience | Board member |
| I have gained valuable experience in governance and have had a very steep learning curve in understanding about finances, legal documents, and how the Institute works. As well as meeting people from all realms of the sector | Board member |
| The insight the position gives me about the governance and decisions facing the Institute, and a feeling of belonging to that community, especially at conference etc. | Board member |
| I have made new connections, felt a greater sense of belonging within the institute, and gained new insights which help me in my day to day role | Advisory Council member |
| I gained a good insight into how CIfA and the profession works, as well as getting to meet plenty of interesting and insightful people | Advisory Council member |
| Knowledge of how CIfA works, the wider remit and collaboration/partnership skills. Also recognise the need to button my lip sometimes :) | Advisory Council member |
| An appreciation for the dynamics of the Advisory Council during what has turned out to be a period of change. An appreciation of the scope of topics considered as well as an opportunity to represent the Advisory Council at a Board meeting. | Advisory Council member |
Other comments
| I think that people should consider the benefits of volunteering to themselves and to others. | Board member |
| AC is a brilliant experience | Advisory Council member |
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