Perspectives in practice: desk-based assessments

Perspectives in practice: desk-based assessments 

This CPD workshop is for practicing archaeologists and historic environment practitioners who commission, write or approve DBAs. The course is not designed to teach delegates how to write a DBA. 

£20 for members, £50 non-members

In 2018 and 2019 CIfA ran a series of workshops in England, Scotland and Wales entitled ‘What’s going wrong with desk-based assessments?’ We’re revisiting this topic but with a greater focus on different perspectives and expectations. We will look at the purpose of the DBA as a non-intrusive tool in the archaeological process alongside its multiple uses, how and when people are utilising DBAs and how well the current guidance is supporting good practice. Join us for a collaborative session with guest speakers and opportunities to discuss experiences and viewpoints.  

Workshop audience: 

The workshop is aimed at archaeologists and historic environment practitioners who commission, write or approve DBAs. The course is not designed to teach delegates how to write a DBA. 

Learning outcomes: 

After attending the course, delegates will be able to define and understand the purpose of a DBA and its role within the planning process understand what ALGAO look for in a DBA gain a better understanding of what the CIfA standard and guidance for desk-based research requires and why understand how compliance with the S&G may be monitored gain a better appreciation of the issues that may make compliance with the S&G problematic and how to address them better consider and present the significance, potential and/or impact of the heritage being assessed better appreciate how a DBA should enhance the existing Historic Environment Record contribute to the review and improvement of the CIfA S&G to ensure it’s fit for purpose 

National Occupational Standards: 

The identified workshop learning outcomes both support and contribute to the performance and knowledge requirements of several of the National Occupational Standards for archaeological practice. These are outlined below: 

The learning outcomes of this workshop supports the Knowledge requirements for: 
CCSAPAA1 Develop policies and guidance for archaeology 

The learning outcomes of this workshop contributes to the Performance and Knowledge requirements for: 
CCSPAAA2 Commission research 
CCSPAAB2 Develop and agree objectives for projects 
CCSPAAB3 Propose and agree project methods 
CCSPAAC1 Research and analyse information to achieve objectives 
CCSPAAD1 Characterise the archaeological resource and recommend action 

Outline:  

9:30 – 9:40 DBAs in practice 
9:40 – 9:50 Perspectives and expectations: local authority advisor
9:50 – 10:00 Perspectives and expectations: consultant
10:00 – 10:30 Discussion and Q&A 
10:30 – 11:00 Collaborative discussion 1 
11:00 – 11:10 Break  
11:10 – 11:30 Feedback 
11:30 – 12:00 Collaborative discussion 2 
12:00 – 12:20 Feedback 
12:20 – 12:50 Open discussion: evaluating the guidance  
12:50 – 13:00 Summary and close 

Additional information
The event start/end times indicated below are for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The Teams link will be sent out to all registrants the morning of the event.

Contact us
If you have any questions at all or require any assistance in registering or accessing this event, please contact the CIfA Events team: conference@archaeologists.net