CIfA's accredited professionals (PCIfA, ACIfA and MCIfA) and Registered Organisations have agreed to follow an ethical code, demonstrate appropriate technical and ethical competence, and are subject to the oversight of peers.
Our professional conduct process and its sanctions provide that oversight, and support CIfA’s core purpose of public and consumer protection. This ensures that clients and society receive the best possible service from the profession and protects the reputation of other accredited professionals.
Concerns about professional conduct can be raised by the public, clients and also individuals and/or organisations who believe an accredited professional and/or Registered Organisations has failed to comply with the Code of conduct.
Submitting a professional conduct allegation
Professional conduct allegations against a CIfA accredited professional or Registered Organisation can be submitted using the allegation form (available below). Professional conduct allegations are assessed against the Code of conduct and supporting regulations, standards and guidance and policy statements.
Allegations need to identify the specific principles or rules believed to have been breached, for example, Code of conduct Principle 1 Rule 1.3
‘A member shall not offer advice, make a public statement, or give legal testimony involving archaeological matters, without being as thoroughly informed on the matters concerned as might reasonably be expected’
Supporting evidence eg photographs or documents are required for all allegations.
Once an allegation has been received and accepted the professional conduct process is carried out in accordance with the Regulations for professional conduct.
The first assessment stage of reviewing any allegation is to determine whether the matter relates to the Code of conduct or if it could be more appropriately resolved
- by discussion amongst parties, or perhaps arbitration or mediation
- using employer grievance or disciplinary procedures
- referring the matter to the police or other authorities (see below)
CIfA will not get involved in contractual or professional disputes, only allegations of professional misconduct by individuals or Registered Organisations.
Allegation check list and forms to complete
Before you submit an allegation we suggest that you go through our short allegation check list to make sure your allegation is relevant to our process. You may also wish to get in touch with us for further advice on the process.
Allegation check list - complete this first
CIfA's professional conduct procedure is operated by peer review and we appoint relevant individuals to investigate. In all cases the individuals must ensure that they do not have a potentially prejudicial interest in the matter they are appointed to consider.
Timescales
Formal allegations can take time to resolve. When a completed form is received there are several stages to the professional conduct process. All the stages rely on individuals volunteering their time to be involved (peer review) and the individual or organisation against who the allegation is made has the right to reply to the allegation and appeal a decision.
Other sources of advice or support
A professional conduct allegation may not be the most effective way of achieving resolution in the event of perceived harassment, and where there is any anticipated or actual civil or criminal proceeding it would take precedence over our own conduct procedures. Below are details of other potential routes for support and guidance.
- ACAS provides free impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice for employees and employers
- If you have been subject to any form of harassment we would encourage you to read the BAJR Guide – Respect: acting against harassment in archaeology. This provides information on the routes open to individuals who feel they have been subject to any form of harassment, and to seek support from the organisations identified in this BAJR guide. The guide is primarily aimed at field archaeologists, whether they be volunteers, students, or those employed within the commercial sector and the organisations who run excavations. It provides an initial point of reference and is designed primarily to signpost services and create procedures to prevent cases of bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment.
- Prospect or other trade unions can provide support and advice on employment matters for individuals
- Protect, a whistleblowing charity and aims to protect society by encouraging workplace whistleblowing.
- If you are a student it may be also beneficial to seek advice from your University