Diggers' Forum

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For CIfA Members

If you are a CIfA member, you can join any CIfA Group that matches your interests. 

  • Log in to your CIfA account Member Area
  • Go to the My groups & lists section of your profile
  • Select the Group(s) and Networks you’d like to join (there's no limit to how many you can join)
  • Your Group or Network membership will be added to your account

Once joined you’ll receive any Group communications and can take part in events, discussions, and activities.

Watch this video for step by step instructions for CIfA members to join any Group or Network.

For non-CIfA members

You don’t need to be a CIfA member to join a CIfA Group. All of our Area or Special Interest groups welcome non-members to join their mailing lists and activities by registering as a Group Supporter for £15 per Group per year.

  • Joining a Group does not require CIfA membership
  • This enables you to receive all of the benefits of the Group which CIfA members receive, but only for the specific Group you join

More information about joining a Group as a group supporter can be found on the Join as a Group supporter webpage, or you can register to join any Groups using this simple form. 

Not sure which option applies to you?

If you’re unsure how to join, whether a Group is right for you, or need help with the process, you can email groups@archaeologists.net for guidance. We're always happy to point you in the right direction!

Committee
Chair
Heloise Meziani
Vice-chair
Ellen Durbin
Secretary
Cecilia Galleano
Committee member
Luke Bateson
Committee member
Tabitha Lawrence
Committee member
Emily Harris-Taylor
Advisor
Calum Hall
Specialist competence matrix

This specialist matrix is to assist applicants and the Validation committee to see where you demonstrate the accredited grade applied for when working in field archaeology.

Three year plan

The Diggers’ Forum (DF) is committed to creating a positive, sustainable and financially viable career for all professional archaeologists working out on site, irrelevant at what point in their career they are at. The group formed in 2004 to represent the views, aspirations and professional requirements of its members, pay and conditions within the profession. The views of those new to a career in archaeology, or who are employed at the lower rungs of the job, are under-represented in the industry. It is a key aim of the Diggers’ Forum to voice the views of those who tend be on the 'lower rungs' of the job and create, therefore, a balance in industry representation as well as keep the issue and welfare of its membership at the top of CIfA's agenda.

We achieve this aim by providing up to date news and information to its members, as well as actively encouraging debate and involvement within the group and the rest of CIfA. You can read in detail about our group's goals by reading our three year plan.

Join us and make our voice that bit louder.

Group recordings and resources

Policy Statements

Diggers’ Forum statement on a minimum level of competence adopted as CIfA Policy has been agreed and incorporated into the CIfA policy on the use of training posts in archaeological projects.

The statement sets out the minimum level of competence expected of a practising archaeologist as that required for Practitioner grade. Working archaeologists who have not yet achieved this, should be part of a structured training programme to help achieve PCIfA level competence within a defined time-frame. PCIfA level competence is defined as the competence required to ‘undertake skilled tasks within the historic environment sector under the guidance of others, and carry out responsible work under a level of supervision’. 

Explore more information about how CIfA defines and assesses competence.

Group meeting minutes and documents

Below are minutes provided by the Group Secretary providing a record of discussions, decisions and action items from Group meetings.

Committee meeting minutes

Annual General Meeting minutes

Events

Event date
No events found