Capability | Flexibility | Assurance
Our History
CFA Archaeology grew out of an established unit within Edinburgh University’s Department of Archaeology, becoming a separate Ltd company in 2000. Over the intervening years, CFA has grown to become one of the leading archaeological practices in the UK, operating out of several thriving offices running up the spine of the country. Although CFA has developed and grown, we have not lost sight of where we came from. We still seek out interesting and exciting archaeology and there is still that small-team ethic of co-operation and a sociable working atmosphere. Many of our staff have grown with us and we have learned to invest in our staff so that they have the training and confidence they need to progress and be rewarded with the opportunities they deserve. We are a friendly but professionally focused and forward-looking team, who strives to work together, supporting and encouraging each other to rise to all challenges. Our colleagues work all over the country, from the highlands and islands of Scotland, through Cumbria, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, and down through the Midlands to the South Coast. Our projects range from castles, stately homes, world heritage sites, battlefields, prehistoric, Romano-British, and Anglo-Saxon settlements to industrial archaeology and the archaeology of war. When people join CFA, we strive to learn their interests and preferences and always seek to match them with upcoming projects if we can. We undertake over 200 archaeolgical projects a year, have undertaken over 1,500km of linear schemes, including railways, trams, roads and pipelines, and undertaken archaeological works on over 300 wind farms, solar arrays, and hydroelectric schemes. We provide expert witness for PLI's, have produced over 400 cultural heritage chapters for Environmental Statements, fullfilled over 50 masterplans, and more than 800 other building development schemes.
Four people in high vis stand, looking out over an urban excavation. | Three archaeologists work in an urban excavation. | An archaeologist stands in a muddy excavation, holding out a wooden stake. |
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A trimble machine stands in the foreground, while an archaeologist works in the background. | An archaeologist sits with a drawing clipboard on their lap, holding out a measuring tape and making |
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CFA-Archaeology-Archaeological-Excavation | CFA-Archaeology-Archaeological-Excavation |
Our Values
CFA strongly believes in the importance of professionalism. Our values guide our working methods, and we treat our clients as our professional partners.
We approach every project with the same goal:
to complete the necessary works on time, within budget, and to produce an accessible report and archival record.
Throughout, we fulfill our legal and ethical obligations in regard to planning permission and historical recording, making sure to contribute positively to our shared history and our shared future.
CFA prioritises professional memberships and qualifications, the following are some of our compliance standards.
We are a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists registered organisation.
We are a member of FAME
The Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers.
We have a certificate in ISO 45001 Health & Safety Management System.
This demonstrates that we operate in a safe and healthy way across all of our activities, and will ensure we maintain continuous improvement and robust business processes.
We have a certificate in ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
This confirms to our customers and suppliers that we meet and adhere to internationally recognised standards, and that CFA can be relied upon to provide a high quality, compliant professional service.
We have a certificate in ISO 14001
Environmental Management Systems.
This is a reflection of our dedication to the environment and the robust programmes and policies we follow to implement better green working practices. We believe that a commitment to greater environmental awareness, alongside best working practices, can lead to more sustainable heritage.
Our Ethos
Capability
CFA has over 30 years’ experience in the archaeology and heritage sector. We provide the entire range of services, from pre-planning advice and desk-based assessments, small to large-scale excavations, and post-excavation processing and publication. There is no job too large or too small, CFA will work with you to fulfil your planning and development obligations, efficiently, on time, and on budget.
Flexibility
With a large team spread across the UK, from Scotland to the south of England, we are able to work at any location while maintaining the support and convenience of a local hub office. Our team has a proven track record of mobilising on short notice, allowing our clients to work in harmony with other stakeholders, and our experienced project managers can plan a schedule of works to accommodate your requirements.
Assurance
CFA is a CIfA accredited Registered Organisation, a member of FAME, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certified. This confirms to our customers and suppliers that we comply with internationally recognised standards, ensuring that CFA can be relied upon to provide a high quality, compliant professional service.