Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel
Role Specification for Panel Members
Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel
1. The Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel advises the Crown’s
representative of whether finds of archaeological items, made by members of the
public, should be acquired on behalf of the nation for allocation to a Scottish
museum. The Panel also advises on ex gratia payments to the finder.
2. The Panel consists of a chair, a representative of National Museums Scotland, a
representative of Museums Galleries Scotland and 3 other members, of which two
have specialist knowledge.
3. The Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocations Panel is a small, specialist body,
acting in an advisory role to the Crown’s representative. The Panel has a public
profile as its recommendations on the claiming, allocation and awards for finds
impacts on members of the public as finders of archaeological items, and on the
museums sector and may be subject to some publicity.
Panel Responsibilities
4. The Treasure Trove system lies within the responsibilities of the Scottish Ministers
and, in particular, the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture.
5. The Chair and Panel members are appointed at present by Scottish Ministers. The
Panel is not, however, an advisory or executive Non Departmental Public Body
(NDPB).
6. The Chair of SAFAP convenes meetings of the Panel and the Treasure Trove Unit
refers to them any reported finds for advice. The Panel advises the Crown’s
representative on whether the Crown should exercise its right to claim a reported
find, on the allocation of the find to a museum, and on the ex gratia payment to be
paid by the museum to the finder. The Panel operates in a wholly advisory capacity
and final decisions on Scottish Treasure Trove items rest with the Queen’s and Lord
Treasurer’s Remembrancer, who is Crown Agent and the Crown’s representative in
Scotland.
Time Commitment
7. At present the formal time commitment is the preparation for and attendance at
not less than 4 meeting a year normally in Edinburgh. The Chair and Panel members
may be expected to take part in additional meetings and events, for instance
occasional visits to museums.
Length of appointment
8. Appointments to the Panel are for a 4 year term. Appointments are made for a
single term, but with the possibility of re-appointment for a second term subject to
satisfactory performance assessment.
Expenses
9. Appointment as a member is unpaid, however all directly related travel and
subsistence costs, as well as reasonable dependants’ carer costs incurred in
carrying out the duties of the appointment, will be reimbursed.
Standards of conduct
10. Members of the Panel act in a purely advisory capacity, They are required to
observe the expectations of a public appointee, notably impartiality, accountability
and openness.
Culture and Gaelic
October 2008
Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel
Person Specification for Panel Member
Members will be appointed in personal, not a representative, capacity and will take a leading
role in the development of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel and the
Treasure Trove scheme. The qualities required for the role are as follows:
Essential Desirable
Skills
Strong
relevant
knowledge
or
X
experience of archaeology, museums,
history or cultural heritage
Able to make a significant contribution
X
to the work of the Panel
Enthusiasm for and commitment to the
X
core values, policies and objectives of
the Panel
Good communication skills across a
X
range of stakeholders both externally
and internally.
Analytical ability
X
Good interpersonal skills
X
Experience in committee work
X