Southport - support or betrayal?

[BAJR]

As we say, the clarification and assurance is what is required. What exactly is meant by

3.1.7. Public participation alongside commercial organisations during and after development can be one of the most treasured opportunities to take part at the cutting edge of discovery. But potentially there are obstacles, such as

• a small additional project cost that can have a significant impact on the chances of successful tendering, if public participation opportunities are not stipulated in briefs
  
• concern that ?amateurs? may not meet professional standards
  
• concerns that the use of volunteers may be seen as undercutting paid competitors
  
• restrictions (real or imagined) relating to Health and Safety and insurance
  
• short-notice and short-duration projects
  
• commercial confidentiality issues

and then

3.1.8. While there will always be projects where public participation is not appropriate, many obstacles can be overcome by

• historic environment advisors including a requirement for public participation in the brief, where appropriate
  
• recognising that ?professionals? are those that subscribe to a set of ethical standards without regard to self-interest, have demonstrated technical competence necessary for their tasks and responsibilities, are committed to developing their skills, and are prepared to be accountable to their peers ? the term does not apply exclusively or indeed universally to those that are paid and all engaged in understanding the past can attain professional standards
  
• applying the principles of the IfA policy statement on the use of volunteers and students to ensure potential commercial conflicts of interest are managed
  
• undertaking suitable risk assessments and inductions that manage most Health and Safety issues, and consulting with underwriters who can be flexible if given notice and explanation
  
• a greater focus on the public benefit outcomes of projects

As REdEarth says, this will affect the fieldworkers... as I suspect that the volunteering will not penetrate project manager and Project Officer Level.. even though... they may have demonstrated technical competence necessary for their tasks and responsibilities, are committed to developing their skills, and are prepared to be accountable to their peers ? the term does not apply exclusively or indeed universally to those that are paid and all engaged in understanding the past can attain professional standards

Just a thought. Does this mean fieldworkers only? or all branches? Amateur Photographers Amateur Surveyors, Amateur Researchers, Amateur Managers ?