Archaeological contractors

Introduction

This section sets out the expected content of a Written Scheme of Investigation or project design following input from the local authority archaeological advisor. In order that the archaeological advisor will have sufficient time to ensure the suitability of the specification, and also to allow time to arrange any required monitoring of the subsequent works, the specification should be approved at least ten working days prior to the intended start date of works. The specification should be provided in an appropriate digital format.

Background to a Written Scheme of Investigation or project design

The Written Scheme of Investigation should address the issues raised within the brief. It should provide sufficient detail to indicate exactly how information will be gained for planning purposes. In preparing the Written Scheme of Investigation it should be borne in mind the need for minimum archaeological intervention and for work to be carried out in the most efficient way. Outlined below are the sections which will normally be expected within a Written Scheme of Investigation (please refer to the appropriate CIfA Standard and Guidance for detailed requirements).

General contracting arrangements

In addition to the detail required of a Written Scheme of Investigation as laid out below the archaeological advisor will need to be assured of the suitability of the contracting unit. To this end the Written Scheme of Investigation must include a list of key personnel along with details of their relevant experience and a curriculum vitae for each specialist member of staff, if appropriate. 

The contents of a Written Scheme of Investigation

During the production of the Written Scheme of Investigation all relevant specialists should be consulted. The specification should consist of the following sections.

Title page

This should include the site name, address and OS grid reference, the client's name, the date (month and year) and the contractor's name. Note the approved Written Scheme of Investigation should include the planning reference number, site code and museum accession number (where appropriate).

Non-technical summary

This section should be an overview of the contents of the Written Scheme of Investigation in plain language.

Site location and description

The Written Scheme of Investigation or project design should contain a site plan (1:10000 scale or larger) and a location plan (1:50000 or 1:25000) as well as the OS grid reference. The site grid must be tied into the national grid. Details of site or area geology, land-use, altitude, soils and vegetation should also be given, as well as any physical and environmental constraints on the proposed works.

Planning background

The specification or project design should outline the planning issue, in particular the stage within the planning process and the nature of the development. There should also be an indication of any planning constraints worthy of consideration, for example:

• scheduled monument
• conservation area
• national landscape
• site of special scientific interest
• listed building
• tree preservation order
• requirements for biodiversity net gain

Archaeological and historical background

The Written Scheme of Investigation or project design must contain a summary of the known archaeological information relating to the site and its vicinity. This should contain data from the county HER, any previous research (for example, a desk-based assessment) and other relevant sources.

Aims and objectives of the project

In response to the brief's requirements for work, every archaeological project should have a clear statement of objectives. This should be set within the appropriate archaeological national, regional and local research frameworks.

Methodology

The Written Scheme of Investigation will be expected to contain a reasoned discussion of the field and analytical techniques selected. Details must be given of techniques, artefact collection policies, discard policies, environmental sampling strategy and recording techniques. The modification or rejection of a standard technique should be explained in a statement of justification. Prior to submitting your draft Written Scheme of Investigation please cross-check it with the CIfA Standard and Guidance.

Post-fieldwork methodology

The Written Scheme of Investigation should contain an explanation of the proposed post-fieldwork techniques to be utilised. Details must include, but are not limited to, cleaning, conservation, cataloguing, packaging, dating techniques, publication and archive preparation. For environmental samples the proposed methods of processing and storage should also be given. Where used, specialists are to be listed.

Public engagement

The Written Scheme of Investigation should set out proposals for public engagement and involvement appropriate to the scheme.

Monitoring arrangements

The Written Scheme of Investigation must include arrangements for monitoring by the relevant archaeological advisor and allowing for a minimum of 14 days’ notice for the planned commencement date of fieldwork.

Archive preparation and deposition

The specification should include an indication of the level and format of the archive to be produced. The Written Scheme of Investigation should state where it is proposed to deposit the physical archive and arrangements for uploading the digital record to the Archaeological Data Service. The archive should be deposited within six months of the project completion. It is recommended contractors contact the relevant museum to obtain an accession number and to confirm arrangements for the archive deposition. This  requirement must be included in the Written Scheme of Investigation and the archaeological advisor regularly updated on the project’s progress. Where appropriate contractors are expected to arrange formal review meetings with the archaeological advisor.

The archive consists of all digital  records and materials recovered, drawn and photographic records, including a single copy of the final report. It will be quantified, ordered, indexed and internally consistent. It should also contain site matrices, a site summary and brief written observations on the artefactual and environmental data.

If the receiving museum is to be Lincoln Museum then the archive should be produced in the form outlined in that museum's document 'Conditions for the Acceptance of Project Archives'. You can contact Lincoln Museum by emailing lincolnmuseum@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

It should be noted that the archaeological advisor will not recommend the discharge of any planning conditions until they have approved the report and the archive has been deposited.

Reporting procedures

The Written Scheme of Investigation should outline the proposed reporting procedure and the likely timetable, as well as the anticipated content of the final and any other reports. This should be informed by relevant professional standards as well as guidance from Historic England and other specialist bodies.

Publication and dissemination

It is important that results of archaeological investigation reach the public domain and this matter should be addressed within the Written Scheme of Investigation.

Contingency arrangements

It will be necessary to provide contingency arrangements, particularly for unexpected discoveries. The Written Scheme of Investigation should provide recognition of the procedures laid down to initiate any contingency plans.

Health and safety

The Written Scheme of Investigation should include details of the health and safety policies in place, relevant risk assessments and confirmation that appropriate insurance is in place.

Copyright

The Written Scheme of Investigation will need to verify that agreement has taken place over the ownership, transfer of title and copyright.