The historic environment, like the natural environment, is a shared, irreplaceable resource. It is managed – and researched, cared for and conserved – on behalf of, and for the benefit of, society. Increasing understanding of the past is at the heart of everything archaeologists do and is, itself, a public benefit.
As professionally accredited archaeologists we have accepted a responsibility to conserve the historic environment, to use it economically to provide reliable information and to disseminate the results of our work. We have also made an ethical commitment to promote the value of the historic environment and to engage with the public to include, inform and inspire.
Quick links
- What public benefit does archaeology deliver?
- How can public benefit can be created?
- What does public benefit from archaeology look like?
- Expectations for professional archaeologists to deliver public benefit
- Case studies
You can also download a copy of our public benefit information sheet from the link below.
Delivering public benefit professional practice paper
Alongside these webpages we also have a Delivering public benefit professional practice paper
ALGAO Scotland guidance on public benefit and social value in the planning process
The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) Scotland has produced guidance on delivering public benefit and social value for archaeology in the planning process, which can be accessed by following the link below:
