News Items

A  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between FAME and CIfA which recognises that they wish to work collaboratively to maximise the positive influence each organisation has on the archaeological sector.

Both organisations, from their different perspectives, are invested in ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for the discipline; promoting archaeology that is recognised for giving value to the public and clients; different matters of procurement and commissioning; provision of training, conferences and networking to members and others; and environmental sustainability.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting, held in Leeds on Friday, 26 April 2019, accredited members of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologist (CIfA) voted not to petition the Privy Council to introduction of a new Chartered Archaeologist grade of accredited member.

The motion required the support of 75% of those voting and achieved the support of 55%.   

There have been reports to FAME that overnight subsistence payments for staff may not always comply with HMRC tax rules. Since 2016 such payments have been subject to tax and National Insurance. FAME has published some advice for archaeology managers and employers on their website

Guidelines about what is taxable or exempt can be found on the HMRC website

OUTREACH GRANTS
The British Institute for the Study of Iraq (Gertrude Bell Memorial) – BISI

Every year, BISI awards Outreach Grants to public engagement projects happening in the UK or Iraq that promote a greater understanding of the history, society and culture of Iraq. Past activities that have received funding through the scheme have ranged from lectures and publications to exhibitions, to the creation of museum teaching resources, visitor signs and arts projects. Applicants can apply for grants up to £1,000.

Following a successful Landscape Institute Midland Branch (LIM) CPD event held in Birmingham last month, a short survey on the Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Light and Lighting has been produced to help determine the scope of new interdisciplinary UK guidance relating to various aspects of the subject (e.g. ecology, landscape, heritage, glint/glare, energy, shadow flicker, health and wellbeing).

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, has announced the first Chair and Board Members for Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Jane Ryder OBE has been appointed to Chair HES and will be joined by nine Board Members. Further details can be found here http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Historic-Environment-Scotland-Board-150...

On the 9 December 2014, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) will officially launch at the Museum of London. All members will be invited to celebrate the occasion as well as discuss the future of CIfA and what chartered status means to the sector.
CIfA will also be holding its Annual General Meeting at the launch and are inviting accredited corporate members to stand for election to the Board of Directors or the Advisory Council for the Chartered Institute. We are looking for nominations to the following positions:

On 4 March Scottish Government published Our Place in Time - The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland. The strategy, which is welcomed by IfA in letters a foot tall on the inside front cover, sets out a direction and vision, and the ways in which Scotland’s historic environment will be managed to deliver real and increasing benefits to Scotland’s people. The development of the strategy was a collaborative exercise by many players in the Scottish heritage world, and so will its implementation be.

English Heritage has developed a Strategy for developing Research Resources as part of our capacity-building activities which is set out in the essential Supporting Actions of the National Heritage Protection Plan. It also draws on the recommendations of the Southport Group report (2011). It is hoped that the strategy will help coordinate and guide the development of a new generation of Research Frameworks and develop a prioritisation process for future Reference Resources.