Representing archaeological employers throughout the UK
Archaeological archives: joint FAME, SMA and ALGAO Statement of Intent
Jan 6th
Following our joint meeting on undeposited archaeological archives with the Society of Museum Archaeologists, we have agreed with SMA and ALGAO a joint Statement of Intent to begin to address the issue. More >
New survey shows archaeological market still subdued
Dec 16th
The first State of the Archaeological Market survey shows a slight increase in the numbers employed in development-led archaeology in the past six months, though still significantly down on the July 2007 peak. More >
FAME responds to draft National Planning Policy Framework
Oct 14th
FAME has responded to the draft National Planning Policy Framework by welcoming its objective of delivering sustainable development, but expressing concerns about its degree of protection for undesignated assets, its lack of clarity about the development management process, and its lack of emphasis on the need for specialist expertise. More >
FAME responds to threat to Tees Archaeology
Sep 13th
FAME has learned that Middlesbrough Council is considering withdrawing its funding from Tees Archaeology, the service which maintains the Historic Environment Record and provides planning advice to the four unitary authorities of Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees. FAME has written to the four local authorities urging them to continue funding the service. The full content of the letter may be viewed here.
Presentations from ‘Trouble in Store’
Jul 15th
This year’s FAME Forum ‘Trouble in Store’ addressed the critical issue of archaeological archives. Given the massive expansion in development-led archaeology in the UK, how are they are to be collected, deposited, stored and used in the future? Over a hundred delegates from FAME, SMA, ALGAO and other organisations attended the event, which was once again held in the magnificent surroundings of the Merchant Taylors Hall in York. More >
Publication of the Southport Report: Realising the benefits of planning–led investigation in the historic environment: a framework for delivery
Jul 15th
This week saw the launch of the eagerly-awaited report of the Southport Group, on the public benefits of development-led investigation of the historic environment. The report, based on extensive sector consultation, outlines recommendations for change and calls for sign-up from historic environment practitioners, developers and planners. To download a copy of the report, click here
FAME response to Fenland District Council
Jun 30th
Newly-installed Fenland District Council Leader Alan Melton has shocked the archaeological world with an announcement that conservation rules in the district are to be relaxed and pre-application archaeological evaluations no longer required. The full text of his speech can be viewed here. FAME has written to Councillor Melton, emphasising the importance of pre-application assessment, and the potential risk of costly delays and disruption should archaeological deposits be revealed once development is underway. More >
FAME Forum 2011: speaker summaries
Jun 29th
This year’s FAME Forum will be held in association with the Society of Museum Archaeologists, and will bring together speakers from both organisations and other leading figures to discuss how we can plan a more sustainable future for our archaeological archives. More >
Trouble in Store: facing up to the archaeological archives crisis
May 17th
This year’s FAME Forum will consider the growing crisis facing our archaeological archives. Such has been the growth in fieldwork since 1990 that overstretched museums in many parts of the country are refusing to accept any more archaeological archives. As a result, FAME members are storing a growing volume of excavated material which is undeposited and inaccessible. More >
Job Losses in Archaeology, April 2011
May 10th
The latest survey of Job Losses in Archaeology shows that the rate of job losses in the sector appears to have slowed, with business confidence showing very slight signs of recovery. More >