Volunteers participating in archaeological excavations at Dunluce historic settlement complex, Co. Antrim, (17th century)
Individuals will be sought to participate in the groups over the lifecycle of the delivery stage, bringing their particular range of expertise to deliver relevant actions. Further information on each Working group, including their remit, key actions and current project board members, can be accessed below.
This is your opportunity to shape archaeology in NI for the future! If you are interested in finding out more about Archaeology 2030, joining our mailing list, or volunteering for a working group please get in touch.
Contact usWorking Group 1 - Standards and Guidance
Key areas:
- Reviewing and developing standards and guidance for Northern Ireland
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Aerial view of a fully excavated early medieval souterrain, with capstones removed, at Drumadoon, Co. Antrim.
Working Group 2 - Regulatory Activities
Key areas:
- Develop metal detecting/treasure act guidance. Review of NI licensing systems in terms of accreditation and competency. Review Enforcement and consider need for legislative change.
- Review development management systems, recent breaches and outcomes, and recurring issues with post-excavation requirements and final publications
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Working Group 3 - Archives and Collections
Key areas:
- Best practice for collections and archives derived from excavations.
- Records and archive management including central collections management database.
- Digital data management
- Legislation review regarding Archaeological Archives; progression of a central NI archive
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An intricately decorated bone comb, found during excavations at Drumclay crannog, Co. Fermanagh.
Working Group 4 - Research Framework
Key areas:
- Deliver an Archaeological Research Framework for Northern Ireland in collaboration with the Discovery Programme as part of an island-wide approach
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© Gary Burrows
Working Group 5 - Legislative Reform
Key areas:
- Consider significant review or re-structuring of legislation/HMAOO
- Heritage Crime and enforcement review as well as policy areas including Land use and Climate Change policy, and Care and management
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Working Group 6 - Engagement and Outreach Group
Key areas:
- Develop research, projects and collaboration opportunities for key themes
- Explore benefits of outreach, interpretation opportunities for development-led schemes
- Developing standards for community archaeology
- Develop advocacy document for archaeology exploring heritage wellbeing and social benefits
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Working Group 7 - Sectoral Communication and Advocacy
Key areas:
- Developing communications and media channels for Archaeology 2030 outputs
- Developing sectoral communications and networking opportunities
- Developing communications and learning opportunities for other Bodies and Decision makers- council engagement, government engagement etc.
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View over Inch Abbey, Co. Down, a 12th century Cistercian abbey
Working Group 8 - Professional Skills, Training and Specialisms
Key areas:
- Industry standards and career pathways/developing training schemes and tools for accreditation
- Skills mapping exercise (profiling the profession) and identifying shortcomings
- Developing education and training pathways and cross sector CPD opportunities
- Future skills/digital archaeology
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Laser scan point cloud model of Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim.