Press Releases

Strategic Alliance between Professional Institutes in Archaeology

Nov 23, 2016 | News, Press Releases

On 22 November 2016, the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out the basis for cooperation between the two institutes. CIfA is the leading professional body representing archaeologists working in the UK and overseas. The IAI is the primary all-island professional organisation representing archaeologists working in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The IAI aims to advance and strengthen the profession of archaeology on the island of Ireland, creating a vibrant and sustainable archaeological profession that actively contributes to the protection of our archaeological resource, which in turn contributes to the social and economic wellbeing of the entire community. CIfA promotes high professional standards and strong ethics in archaeological practice, to maximise the benefits that archaeologists bring to society. It is the authoritative and effective voice for archaeologists, bringing recognition and respect to the profession.   Pictured at the signing- Peter Hinton, CIfA Chief Executive (Left), Iain Greenway, (Back), Michael MacDonagh, IAI Chair (Right) The agreement recognises a shared commitment to the promotion of professionalism in archaeology, and a duty to foster collaboration and to deploy the resources of the two organisations efficiently and effectively. It sets out some areas of immediate and longer-term joint working.   IAI Chair, Michael MacDonagh said of the agreement: ‘This document marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between two organisations which have a common purpose. We will be sharing some of the communications and benefits we provide our memberships, and we have committed to an exploration of the potential to align Standards documents, and to permit read-across between each institute’s accreditation... read more