Project Management (MoRPHE)

 Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE) is a set of free guidelines covering the management of all historic environment research and ‘research and development’ (R&D) projects. MoRPHE provides a framework of defined roles, procedures, stages, terms, and key documents to assist the management of research projects in our sector.

Links to the suite of guidelines are given below. The ‘Project Managers Guide’ gives generic advice on the management of all types of research and R&D projects. The Project Planning Notes provide guidance on particular types of document, while Technical guides provide more in depth information on related topics.

To support the introduction of the new procedures, English Heritage is funding free courses in the use of MoRPHE. Two course formats will be available until 2010.

• a distance learning course to familiarise you with the basics of MoRPHE, suitable for all staff with a connection with research projects.
• a 1-day Project Managers course covering all aspects of a project lifecycle (up to 12 places per course). It is not necessary to have taken the familiarisation course first but some pre-course preparation may be necessary if this has not been possible.

To get a distance learning course pack, to find out about future Project Managers courses, or for general enquiries email MoRPHE@english-heritage.org.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Why do we need more guidelines?

English Heritage funded research and R&D uses the public’s money. English Heritage has a responsibility to see that that money is spent in the public interest.

Do I need to use MoRPHE for my project?

If you are applying for funding from English Heritage for a research or R&D project covered by our Research Strategy, for example from the Historic Environment Enabling Programme, then yes, use of MoRPHE is a requirement. For other researchers we encourage its use and provide it as a service to the sector. Apart from the Project Managers Guide, there may be a specific Project Planning Note covering your sort of project. Check the links below. Others are under development.

Do I have to go on a course to get research funding from English Heritage?

No. The courses are being run as a free service to assist you. Places are mainly taken up by staff from organisations we currently fund, or English Heritage staff and offer a useful networking opportunity as well as being helpful and fun!

Does MoRPHE replace MAP2?

Yes. The MoRPHE Project Managers Guide, plus Project Planning Note 3 covering archaeological excavation has now replaced use of MAP2 for all English Heritage archaeological excavation projects. A specific fact sheet illustrating the differences between MoRPHE and MAP2 is available (see Links below).

Download the MoRPHE guidelines:

• MoRPHE Project Managers Guide
• Project Planning Note 1 Marine Geophysical Survey
• Project Planning Note 2 Developing Controlled Vocabularies
• Project Planning Note 3 Archaeological Excavation
• Project Planning Note 4 Complex Architectural Survey
• Project Planning Note 5 Aerial Reconnaissance
• Project Planning Note 6 Developing Procedural Standards
• Technical Guide 1 Digital Archiving and Dissemination
• Fact sheet - MoRPHE for users of MAP2