Criteria for our Projects

In considering we should become involved with a new project, whether a long-term thematic national investigation or a 'one-off' request for a local investigation to assist in solving a specific question or problem, we always ask ourselves a number of questions before deciding to commit public money:

Is the site, monument or landscape of national significance? (in other words, is it, or perhaps should it be, protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument? Does it lie within a National Park, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Conservation Area, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?)

How much will our involvement assist in advancing the work of other organisations?

Will the investigation fit in with English Heritage's own wider research agenda?

Is the site, monument or landscape exceptionally rare or threatened, for example by erosion, development or neglect?

Has it already seen so much research that it can justifiably be regarded as being well understood?

Is the individual the site, monument or landscape a typical or well known example of its type, so that new research will advance understanding of the whole class?

Can we employ equipment or techniques in an innovative or exemplary way?

Is there any opportunity to pass on our skills through training?

What is the potential for communicating the new understanding that we will gain to a wide audience, either directly or through the work of our partners?