Department for Culture Media and Sport

advisory committee on historic wreck sites

The Department for Culture Media and Sport would like to invite applications for a Local Authority Archaeology member to the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites (ACHWS).

Time Commitment
At least 3 full day meetings a year. Members are also asked to attend the annual meeting with the Licensees of the Designated Wreck Sites.  In addition, members may be asked to sit on sub-committees, on an ad-hoc basis, to discuss specific issues. Some additional time for studying reports will be required

The Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites (ACHWS)
The Advisory Committee was set up to advise Ministers following the passing of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.  Section 1 of the 1973 Act empowers the Secretary of State to designate, by order, the site of what is, or may prove to be, the wreck of a vessel which should be protected from unauthorised interference because of its historical, archaeological or artistic importance.  Such a designation makes it an offence to tamper with, damage, or remove any part of the wreck, its contents or its former contents. 

The Committee’s Role
The Committee’s members advise Ministers on:

  • The suitability of wreck sites to be designated for protection on the grounds of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest in accordance with the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
  • The issue of licences for the surveillance and excavation of designated sites by named individuals, and recommends the conditions to be attached to such licences.  
  • Other general underwater archaeology issues which may affect historic wrecks within UK waters.

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The Person
 All ACHWS members should be able to demonstrate the following expertise:

  • A general understanding of underwater archaeology issues.
  • Ability objectively to assess applications for the designation of wreck, sites, and for licence applications.
  • Ability to work effectively with other committee members and an understanding of  the need to maintain the confidentiality of Advisory Committee meetings.


Expertise specific to this post:

  • Current / recent experience as a local authority archaeologist in England, a regional council archaeologist in Scotland, or a maritime archaeologist working for the Welsh Trusts.

Familiarity with:

  •  Local maritime archaeology issues affecting one or more particular local authority  areas.
  •  The work of the ALGAO UK Maritime Committee.

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Supporting information:

Location of Meetings
Generally held at English Heritage’s offices in Central London.  Officials from Historic Scotland, CADW (Welsh Historic Monuments), and DoE Northern Ireland also attend to advise on wrecks in the Devolved Administrations.  The Licensees meeting may be held in another location.
 
 Term of Appointment
 ACHWS Committee members are appointed for a term of 4 years, which may be renewed.

Remuneration
This post is not salaried.  However, Committee members’ travel expenses, incurred through attending meetings, are paid.  This position is not pensionable.


The Appointment Process
This public appointment will be made in accordance with the Code of Practice published by Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA).  Such appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Deadline for Applications:
Monday 12 October 2009

Interviews:
Wednesday 11 November 2009

Application form and full role specification from:

Mark Greenwood
Public Appointments
Dept. for Culture, Media & Sport   
2-4 Cockspur Street SW1Y 5DH   
Tel: 0207 211 2311
Email:  Mark.Greenwood@culture.gsi.gov.uk


 

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