CIfA has received funding from Historic England to develop a project linked to work package 3 of the 21st Century Challenges for Archaeology work programme whose remit is to enhance and promote standards and guidance on archaeological practice to increase public benefit. This project (HE9408) includes a preliminary phase 1 pilot study created to help inform and support the delivery of the wider project aims (phase 2). This phase was completed in 2025 and an updated project design for phase 2 completed. Phase 2 commenced early in 2026 and will run until June 2027.
The project focuses on the strategic review of the landscape of standards and guidance across the historic environment sector in England. Looking in more detail at the documentation available, its use, its accessibility and the roles and responsibilities associated with its provision and enforcement. Key outputs include
- supporting archaeological practice in England through creating opportunities for increased communication and collaboration on guidance development and encouraging more comprehensive signposting.
- informing the development and review of existing and future CIfA Standards and guidance with the data providing the basis for the development of detailed (jurisdiction-specific) guidance for archaeological practice in England.
The project is being delivered by Manda Forster (Tacit Heritage) and Sam Paul (Sam Paul Heritage) and the CIfA project lead is Jen Parker Wooding (Head of Professional Standards). The project is being supported by a Project Advisory Board made up of sector representatives.
Sector survey - have your say!
This consultation survey (15 to 20 minutes) asks about the standards and guidance you use in your work, what helps, what gets in the way, and where the gaps are. It's open to anyone working in or with archaeology in the UK – including full time employees, freelance experts, trainees or volunteers – and whether or not you're a CIfA member.
Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to share contact details and will directly shape how we approach standards and guidance – from prioritising what needs developing to how it's structured, navigated and used across the sector.
The survey close 16 August 2026. Please also feel free to share the link with colleagues, especially those outside CIfA membership.
Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIfA_Standards
Look ahead at the survey questions: