Opportunities for archaeologywith HS2’s enabling works andmain works civils contracts

HS2 provides an amazing opportunity to reveal a new understanding of our past as a result of the hugeamount of excavation needed.

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Our physical environment is transforming, fasterthan at any time in human history. Our cities aregrowing and the way we travel is beingrevolutionised through major infrastructureprojects, perhaps none more so than HS2.Accredited archaeologists understand how thesechallenges have been met in the near anddistant past, how our modern society hasevolved and how we built the places we live in.Accredited archaeologists investigate theevidence of the past and produce crucial data toinform new development. This evidence addsvalue to society.

HS2 provides an amazing opportunity to reveal a new understanding of our past as a result of the huge amount of excavation needed. Phase One – between London and the WestMidlands – is approximately 140 miles long. It passes through a whole range of landscapesand there will almost certainly be significantarchaeology across the entire length. To thearchaeology profession, HS2 represents thelargest single project anywhere in the world. As such, an unprecedented number of accreditedarchaeologists will be employed from the verystart to the completion of the project.

Introduction to archaeology

HS2 and archaeology

London Euston

Old Oak Common

Birmingham Interchange

Birmingham CurzonStreet

Coventry

Northampton

Milton Keynes

LutonDunstable

AylesburyOxford

Banbury

Royal LeamingtonSpa

Connection to West Coast Mainland

HS2 Phase 1

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Opportunities for archaeology with HS2’s enabling works and main works civils contracts

© MOLA

1 Planning and procurement will be critical toensuring the successful joint ventures fulfil theirresponsibilities regarding the archaeologyelements of the works. You need to be sure thatthe archaeologists you engage are bound by acode of ethical conduct, have demonstratedtheir competence, are committed to developingtheir skills through CPD and are accountable toCIfA for their conduct. To ensure this is the case,you should engage only CIfA RegisteredOrganisations. These companies havesuccessfully completed a rigorousarchaeological quality assurance processinspecting all aspects of their work, and areregistered with CIfA for a three-year period.

2 There is a significant opportunity for capacitybuilding in the archaeology profession and it willbe necessary to train new archaeologists tomeet the demands of HS2. You should ensurethat your archaeology suppliers have a properlyresourced and structured training programme inorder to ensure a competent and professionalworkforce. This may be through formalapprenticeships or workplace learningprogrammes accredited through vocationalqualifications and/or CIfA’s pathways toaccreditation. Accreditation in archaeologyrecognises the professionalism of practitioners,improves their careers and attracts new peopleinto archaeology.

3 The CSR benefits that good archaeology canbring are significant. You can use archaeologythat has been properly planned and funded andcarried out by accredited professionals tounderpin a range of messages. These can beabout corporate ethics, integrity, respect for theenvironment, developing life skills throughparticipation and responsible business conduct.Accredited professionals will know how to workcreatively with communities and can provideyou with a programme of public and communityengagement. In this way, archaeology can addvalue to your business.

4 HS2 represents the largest singlearchaeological research programme. As suchyou must be satisfied that your archaeologypartners are imaginatively addressing theresearch objectives of the project and arecommitted to creating new knowledge aboutthe past.

5 CIfA strongly recommends that all jointventures, their sub-contractors and consultantsonly use accredited archaeologists. Members ofCIfA are accredited and skilled in the study andcare of the historic environment.

The opportunities

The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) has highlighted a number of opportunities forthe joint ventures bidding for the HS2 enabling works and main civils.

Opportunities for archaeology with HS2’s enabling works and main works civils contracts

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CIfA champions professionalism in archaeology.It represents the interests of archaeology andarchaeologists to government, policy makers andindustry, sets standards and issues guidelines,improves member career prospects bypromoting and organising training and informingthem of developments in professional practice.Through CIfA a client can find the mostappropriate accredited archaeologists to workon their project.

CIfA’s role About accreditedarchaeologists Accredited archaeologists, like many otherprofessionals, demonstrate to third parties thatthey have the necessary skills and ethics to carryout work to relevant standards. Being anaccredited archaeologists shows that you have acommitment to maintain and enhance your skillsand knowledge by signing up to a Code ofconduct that requires you to carry out regularCPD. Accreditation provides a clear indication ofprofessionalism, but if any issues arise about thequality of work provided by an accreditedarchaeologists there is a disciplinary system topursue this.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Miller Building, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6ABT: 0118 378 6446 | admin@archaeologists.net | www.archaeologists.net

Opportunities for archaeology with HS2’s enabling works and main works civils contracts

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