The historic environment, like the natural environment, is a shared, irreplaceable resource. It is managed – and researched, cared for and conserved – on behalf of, and for the benefit of, society. Increasing understanding of the past is at the heart of everything archaeologists do and is, itself, a public benefit.
As professionally accredited archaeologists we have accepted a responsibility to conserve the historic environment, to use it economically to provide reliable information and to disseminate the results of our work. We have also made an ethical commitment to promote the value of the historic environment and to engage with the public to include, inform and inspire.
Read the information below to find out more about how archaeology and public benefit, and also see our information on expectations for professional archaeologists to deliver public benefit. In addition, you may also wish to explore the following resources:
What public benefit does archaeology deliver?
Archaeologists create and deliver public benefit in many ways. Knowledge gain - research which advances our understanding of the past and contributes to knowledge - is the core purpose of archaeological work and is, itself, a public benefit. By engaging and sharing that knowledge, community strength and identity can be enhanced. There is also evidence that engaging with the historic environment can make a significant contribution to community well-being and promote social capital, leading to improvement in health, wealth and education.
Participation in archaeological or heritage projects can also bring benefits for individuals through learning and development and the ability to acquire new skills. These projects have the ability to engage diverse groups of people, from refugee groups to the homeless, young offenders and injured service personnel, offering new skills, confidence, the opportunity to become an active citizen and to connect with a shared human past.
How can public benefit can be created?
Public benefit can be created through
- High quality research outputs: publications, exhibitions, accessible archives or events engage people and generate interest in, and concern for, the historic environment.
- Interpretation: how we tell stories is a key way to engage and inspire people.
- Improvements to quality of place: archaeological work can leave lasting positive impacts on the landscape or lead to changes in management practices or valuation of landscapes. This can be through enhanced understanding of a monument or building through investigation/conservation/presentation or through the better understanding of the evolution of a place.
- Community: archaeology can be a mechanism for developing community values, through increased pride and sense of place. Heritage activities may also provide opportunities for communities to better understand their areas.
- Health and wellbeing: therapeutic or social benefits can come from engagement in archaeological activities; for example, meeting people and being outdoors are all recognised health and wellbeing benefits.
- Skills: from teamwork to technical skills, participating in archaeological activities supports skills development and engagement with learning at all levels.
- Economy and tourism: areas can be transformed by well delivered public benefit via exhibitions, sites turned into visitor centres, etc.
- Innovation: archaeological research and interpretation can help develop new approaches to engagement and knowledge exchange; lessons learnt from the past can be used to develop and design ideas for the future.
What does public benefit from archaeology look like?
There are many ways in which public benefit can be delivered. Here are some examples
- At the planning stage
- Advocating for the incorporation of historic environment elements during masterplanning/design
- Advising on the investigation, interpretation, or retention of historic fabric as part of a new development
- During the project - participation
- Involve community groups, period or thematic research groups, metal detecting clubs, Young Archaeologists, local schools etc in research, fieldwork, finds or archive work
- Dig for a day events for schools, community
- Training programmes for local groups and volunteers
- Digital participation
- During the project - communication
- Site tours and/or open days
- Community talks
- Site blog, website, newspaper articles, podcasts
- Site noticeboard with details of latest discoveries
- Local exhibitions
- Community newsletter
- After the project - communication
- Popular publications, leaflets, interpretation panels
- Reconstruction drawings
- Heritage trails
- Web-based publication, open access
- Facilitated access to archives