The rise in the cost of living is affecting everyone. To support members, we have gathered together information on some of the practical support CIfA can offer. These supports are not solutions to cost of living burdens, but are measures that we hope may ease some of the financial or mental hardship for CIfA members experiencing difficulties.
Financial support
View our Subscriptions and renewals page for information on concessionary rates for the following circumstances:
Immediate reduction on subscription fees
Concessionary rates are available for accredited members earning less than the minimum salary for their grade.
New parents’ package
CIfA members on parental leave are eligible to apply for a concessionary rate on their subscription fees if your income does not meet the relevant recommended scale.
Part time fee reductions
If you work part-time you would also be eligible for a concessionary rate if your income does not meet the relevant recommended scale.
Retirement fee reductions
Reduced fees are available for members who want to maintain their membership in retirement (£66 annual subscription).
More information
Spread your payments
If you haven’t already signed up to direct debit, you can spread the cost of membership over 10 months. To set direct debit or change your details you will need to complete a direct debit form with a hand-written signature and return it to us - see our Subscriptions and renewals page for more information, or contact us at subscriptions@archaeologists.net to learn more.
Talk to your employer
Many employers will cover or contribute towards the cost of CIfA professional accreditation fees during your employment with them.
Tax relief on membership fees
You can claim tax relief on your subscription if you are a UK tax payer. You will now find us under 'A' on the HM Revenue & Customs approved list.
Financial and mental health wellbeing resources
Websites like Citizens Advice and Money Helper offer free advice and tools on budgeting, debt advice, financial support etc. Entitled to allows you to calculate what benefits you could qualify for.
Our Mental health and archaeology webpage includes useful links and soundbites on looking after your mental health.
Free training and events
Online CPD
We have a variety of free online CPD resources for members to help to support your career development. These include
- E-learning modules – including Everyday ethics, Making sense of the planning system and Planning your career
- Event recordings – access a wide range of CPD recordings from CIfA conferences, Innovation Festival, lunch and learn sessions and group events
- Read our Professional Practice Papers and issues of The Archaeologist magazine which cover a wide variety of topics
- Attend some of our new online training events which offer reduced rates for CIfA members and additional bursaries to support attendance
Networking events
CIfA and some of our Area and Special Interest Groups host regular tea break sessions on Zoom. These last for 45 minutes and are based on different topics which are either suggested by CIfA members or staff. They provide a great, informal space to talk to other members and share ideas and support.
You can register for these free events. If you’d like to suggest a tea break topic, contact us at conference@archaeologists.net with your idea.
Information for employers
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has useful information for employers about tackling in-work poverty. This includes suggestions for good employment practices, providing financial wellbeing support, supporting in-work progression, and paying a fair and liveable wage.
Other resources
Listen to the recent edition of the Career in Ruins podcast featuring Kate Geary (CIfA), Lu Stanton-Greenwood (StepChange/BAJR) and David Connolly (BAJR). This reflects on the results of the Poverty Impact Report and discusses how the sector might act. It also includes some useful links for help and advice with debt, cost of living, benefits, hardship funds etc.
Contact us
Please contact us at admin@archaeologists.net if you have any questions or wish to find out more.