As the professional body for archaeologists, we have a responsibility to investigate allegations that a CIfA-accredited archaeologist or Registered Organisation has breached the Code of conduct – ie behaved unprofessionally. This fulfils part of the Chartered Institute's primary function of public and consumer protection, ensuring that clients and society in general receive the good service from the profession.
In the event of a reprimand, suspension or expulsion the Professional Conduct Regulations allows the Institute to publish a report naming the accredited member and the details of the sanction decided, unless there are exceptional compassionate grounds for not doing so. Following an investigation into an allegation of misconduct against Dr Neil Phillips, MCIfA (4717), the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists found that Dr Neil Phillips had breached the CIfA Code of conduct. A statement about the expulsion of Dr Neil Phillips is published on the dissemination of professional conduct allegations page.
This is the outcome of the professional conduct allegation that was reported in the latest Annual Review. Over the last twelve months (July 2019 to July 2020) we have dealt with 24 concerns raised against individuals (9) and organisations (14). Three were submitted as formal allegations. Without allegations, or information that could form the basis of an allegation, the Chartered Institute is unable to fulfil its regulatory function, so it is important that archaeologists as well as clients and the public speak out when they suspect unprofessional behaviour.
