The Toolkit for Managing the Ownership of Archaeological Finds in England (https://collectionstrust.org.uk/resource/toolkit-for-managing-the-ownership-of-archaeological-finds-in-england/) is designed as an important new resource for individuals involved in the management, recovery, and archiving of archaeological materials. It offers guidelines to ensure the secure and legal transfer of ownership of archaeological material, thereby supporting effective archival practices and planning policy. The Toolkit consists of a model deed of transfer and guidance covering principles of ownership, advice on transferring ownership of the material archive, procedures for arranging transfer of ownership, guidance for planners, landowners and planning applicants/developers and guidance where landowner consent cannot be obtained.
The Toolkit has been developed by Historic England (derived from Queens Counsel legal advice) as part of the Future for Archaeological Archives Programme (https://historicengland.org.uk/research/support-and-collaboration/future-for-archaeological-archives-programme/). It has benefited from initial advice from members of the programme’s Advisory Panel.
The Toolkit includes a model deed of transfer and guidance sections on
- ownership: the principles of ownership of archaeological finds
- advice on transferring ownership of the material archive from an archaeological project
- procedures for arranging transfer of ownership for a) a development project b) a research or community project
- guidance for planners, landowners and planning applicants/developers
- guidance where landowner consent cannot be obtained
- objects already in museum/repository collections
- material assemblages stored by archaeological contractors.
The Toolkit is subject to a consultation period of nine months between January and September 2025. Historic England very much welcomes all feedback, which can be submitted via https://forms.office.com/e/4rZBiy9PwB or by emailing FAAP@historicengland.org.uk. Results of the survey will be analysed in Autumn 2025 and inform the Toolkit’s development.
