Making Archaeology Matter
At the Council for British Archaeology we believe passionately that what archaeology can do is fundamental to society. We are dedicated to Making Archaeology Matter.
Archaeology matters, because most of human history has no written record, only physical remains.
Archaeology matters, because appreciating this legacy contributes to our sense of who we are in our communities and as a nation.
Archaeology matters, because it benefits the economy through tourism and heritage-related regeneration.
And archaeology matters, because it enriches our lives: millions of people enjoy discovering the past. Archaeology is exciting and fun.
Scope
The practice of archaeology is now stretched to maintain its achievements as never before – in responding to development, in universities, museums and in local and national government. Yet public interest in archaeology has never been stronger. And historic remains continue to need care and reveal new stories.
With a large public membership and an unrivalled network of national and regional groups across the UK, the CBA is the one organisation that can enable people to protect and celebrate their archaeological heritage.
Strategic aims
Over the next five years we plan to double our membership and strengthen our role as archaeology’s public champion. We are an environmental charity whose only allegiances are to archaeology and the public.
Strategic Plan 2010–15
Our Strategic Plan 2010–15 presents themes and objectives to take us towards 2020 – Archaeology for all.
Themes
- Participate (support people)
- Discover (support knowledge)
- Advocate (support stewardship)
- Sustain (support resources)
Objectives
Increase participation
- Support innovative projects to enable wider public participation in discovering and protecting the UK’s historic environment
- Increase the number of people with skills to work with volunteers and young people, to facilitate their active engagement in archaeology
- Broaden the opportunities for both young and older people to build archaeological skills and make their contribution
- Develop the Festival of British Archaeology to inspire and increase public participation in archaeology
- Identify and break down barriers to joining archaeology
Enhance discovery
- Initiate an online Hub of Archaeological Learning as a one-stop shop for educational resources and a network for learning
- Broaden the range of the CBA’s publications to provide high quality, accessible material of interest to public and professional audiences
- Expand the range of high quality content in CBA’s British Archaeology magazine to reach out to a broader audience
- Develop and enhance the benefits and resources available to Young Archaeologists’ Club members
- Extend user involvement with the CBA’s web-based resources
Strengthen advocacy
- Raise awareness at all levels of the public benefits of engaging with archaeology and the historic environment
- Champion community archaeology and public engagement across the UK
- Facilitate and empower more local involvement in protecting the historic environment
- Develop a distinctive new role in the national heritage protection systems in England and in Wales to reflect the CBA’s core mission
- Build capacity amongst our members and UK-wide partners to champion and engage with the historic environment through events, training, and online resources
Develop sustainability
- Campaign for action to ensure sustainability for the historic environment and to combat the effects of climate change
- Launch and sustain a Development Campaign to secure the long-term future of the CBA’s charitable activities
- Expand CBA and YAC membership by at least doubling our numbers by 2015
- Expand our financial reserves to cover at least three months trading costs
- Work with the CBA’s UK network to enhance our collective capacity and the benefit we offer, whilst raising the public profile for the CBA’s achievements
Help us now - and make the most of your passion for archaeology.
