The Archaeology Forum Council for British Archaeology

What is The Archaeology Forum?

The Archaeology Forum (TAF) is a grouping of independent bodies concerned with the archaeological investigation, management, and interpretation of the UK's historic environment - whether buried, built, submerged, in situ, or in museum collections and archives.

The Forum provides an opportunity for institutions to discuss matters of common concern, with the intention of establishing shared positions and promoting clear and consistent messages from archaeological practitioners and stakeholders.

It works in a joined-up manner with others in the historic environment sector through umbrella organisations, such as the Heritage Alliance, the Historic Environment Forum, Built Environment Forum Scotland, and Wales Environment Link.

Governance and Operations

Parliamentary Support: TAF supports the All Party Parliamentary Archaeology Group (APPAG) and provides the secretariat function for its Advisory Group, which meets bi-monthly.
Leadership: The current Convenor is Dr Simon Gilmour, Director, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
Secretariat: Services are provided by the Council for British Archaeology. For information please contact [email protected].
Meetings: Forum members meet four times a year, with discussions facilitated through a private email list.

The Value of Archaeology

Archaeology is an active social tool that delivers profound benefits across society. It provides the essential knowledge needed to guide sustainable development and manage change in our historic environments. Beyond the physical landscape, the discipline drives economic growth, inspires the creative industries, and fosters social connectivity and wellbeing by bringing communities together.

Archaeology informs change Archaeology unleashes creativity Archaeology Sustains Growth Archaeology improves wellbeing

Archaeology is a unique place-based discipline that enables people to better understand and shape the places and communities in which they live, work and play. It is an active social tool that inspires connection between people, places and the past. TAF's shared vision, set out in this advocacy document, highlights how archaeological processes are creative, scientifically rigorous, and economically important for all corners of the UK.

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