Have you used the ICE Conditions of Contract?

[Steven]

quote:Originally posted by drpeterwardle

I actually think UnitofOne has a point when he says:

"You might try to cheat me, isn’t that why we need a consultant."

I agree with that yes that why even on very small jobs a consultant and a contract is needed. As things stand anybody can set themselves up as an archaeologist without qualifications, competance and/or experience let alone insurance etc.

The cost of a one day watching brief is often disproportionate to the work and this is the kind of thing a consultant can sort out. Similarly in any watching brief situation there is the potential for it to turn into a much bigger project.

However the ICE contract is a bit formal for a small project so what I do is refer to it in the letter of instruction. ICE is clearly geared around the larger excavation projects and I would like to see versions for watching briefs and evaluations.

Peter

Hi Chaps
Peter, I can only speak for the authorities which I advise, but I don't agree that a consultant is required for all projects. In particular the small scale jobs. In these cases as a county council employee I have a duty of care to the rate payers as well as a duty to regulate the standards etc of archaeological practice, and to advise the LPA. So I would offer advice to the small developer (i.e. often the homeowner) concerning the implications of the planning condition. My advice could cover issues such as likely costs (only very roughly of course), level of work, synergies (i.e. telling them how to try and cut down on extra costs by minimising JCB hire by timetabling properly etc). I believe that the "developer" has every right to expect me to point out if their contractor is trying to falsely enlarge the project. I have to say I haven't come across a contractor trying this but then again maybe that's because I try to monitor (a lot).

Maybe I'm alone amongst my curatorial colleagues to offer this type of "holistic" archaeological service, but I doubt it. I think its part of public service to be equitable and reasonable.



Steven