ATF Award

ATF Training Award

ATF logo

The Archaeology Training Forum Award recognises and promotes best practice in training or professional development in archaeology. The award aims to recognise excellence in the fields of learning, training and professional development and is open to archaeological organisations, individuals, partnerships and collaborative projects throughout the United Kingdom, whether paid or voluntary. Entries must demonstrate an overall commitment to learning or training, and an innovative approach to best practice. In particular the judges will be looking for entries which:

  • Have been designed to address skills training needs within the sector
  • Demonstrate clear benefits that go beyond the organisation itself, for example a contribution to the historic environment sector, engage a community, increase knowledge and skills for individual employee, or enhance the experience of archaeology for volunteers.
  • If appropriate, relate to the National Occupational Standard
  • Contribute to Continuing Professional Development
  • Demonstrate an innovative approach or involve the development of best practice
  • Are run in accordance with recognised professional standards and ethics

Entries might include:

  • Development and successful implementation of innovative training plans
  • Innovative ways of maximising limited training resources or of supporting professional development
  • New ways of recognising and rewarding on the job learning
  • Developing staff or volunteer skills
  • Transfer of skills/succession planning
  • Partnerships between employers and educators or between professional and amateur groups

The Award is judged by an ATF panel usually including representatives from the Council for British Archaeology, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, FAME, the National Heritage Agencies, Higher Education, and from last year’s winning entry.

The 2019 Award was presented to Keith Westcott /The Association of Detectorists CIC at the CIfA Annual Conference on 24th April 2019, with Archaeology South-East being Highly Commended.   You can find more information about previous winners HERE.

Applications for the 2020 Training Award are now closed. The 2020 Training Award Application Form can be referred to here: ATF-Training-Award-2020-application-form .

Due to the cancellation of the April 2020 CIfA Annual Conference, the announcement of the successful project(s) has been delayed until later in 2020. However, the six shortlisted entries for the 2020 Award can be seen here: ATF-Award-2020-Shortlist

ATF logo

ATF