We have been an RO for over a decade. Inspection is the principle external metric by which we evaluate the business and professional practice. Whilst we do not necessarily find all of the expectations of CIfA to be compatible with the way we run the business (formalised procedure, CPD and appraisal for example), we find the process and questions asked a useful way to consider things we might not otherwise.
We believe that the industry should have a professional body to advocate for it and to promote recognition that archaeologists should be considered as professionals. A chartered institute is an important part of this.
Although we have no direct data, we believe RO status is recognised by clients as a sign of professional standards and ability.