CIfA welcomes the publication of the latest BAJR guide to acting against harassment in archaeology. The guide is primarily aimed at field archaeologists, whether they be volunteers, students, 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 bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment.
We would encourage members to be aware of this guidance and the routes open to individuals who feel they have been subject to any form of harassment.
In addition, CIfA has a professional conduct procedure exists to raise allegations against accredited members of CIfA who may have breached the Code of conduct in relation to their professional and ethical behaviour in relation to the study and care of the historic environment. This can also relate to professional conduct in relation to employees, colleagues and helpers. 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. We would, in the first instance, encourage anyone who thinks they have been subject to harassment to seek support from the organisations identified in this BAJR guide.
Our Equality and Diversity Group can offer further support and can be contacted at groups [at] archaeologists.net.
