ISCA Archaeology

ISCA Archaeology is a commercial archaeological and heritage services company based in Devon, in the South West of England. It describes itself as a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Registered Organisation, a status that functions as a quality-assurance 'kite mark' for clients who need to employ an archaeologist. The firm positions itself as a client-focused consultancy that guides developers, landowners and other clients through the archaeological planning process, aiming to make that process as simple and clear as possible while upholding professional archaeological standards. The company offers an extensive range of archaeological and heritage services. Its heritage consultancy work includes desk-based heritage and archaeological assessments, settings assessments, conservation, heritage and archaeological management plans, and historic building recording at four levels of detail in line with Historic England guidance. On the archaeological side, ISCA prepares Written Schemes of Investigation (WSIs) to satisfy planning conditions, carries out fieldwork such as watching briefs, evaluations and excavations of every size, and produces detailed post-excavation reports in collaboration with specialist analysts. It also offers archaeological geophysical surveying and community engagement activities including volunteering, presentations and open days. ISCA presents itself as a tight-knit team with years of experience across projects of every size, dedicated to preserving, recording and investigating the UK's archaeological past. Its stated values include providing a high-quality, professional and tailored service, advancing archaeological methods through cutting-edge technology to streamline and improve recording, and providing outreach that makes shared heritage accessible to all. The company emphasises health and safety, noting that it is a CHAS Advanced accredited contractor, that its staff hold CSCS cards, and that it completes site-specific risk assessments and regular inspections. A director, Simon Sworn, is quoted on the company's website explaining that the archaeology of the South West is very varied and that it is important for future generations to identify, map and preserve as much as possible, while recognising the commercial fulfilment of modern services. The company operates primarily in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on South West England, and works with clients preparing planning applications of all sizes to understand and mitigate risks to development proposals arising from the historic environment.

ISCA Archaeology is a commercial archaeological and heritage services company based in Devon, in the South West of England. It operates as a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Registered Organisation, a scheme that acts as quality assurance for anyone wishing to employ an archaeologist and is considered a 'kite mark' acknowledging high professional standards and competence. The company presents itself as a tight-knit team whose members have years of experience and have worked on projects of every size. The firm's approach combines archaeological rigour with a commercial, client-focused outlook. Its stated aim is to assist clients through the archaeological planning process, making it as simple and clear as possible, while remaining fully compliant with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. A director, Simon Sworn, has publicly described the archaeology of the South West as very varied and stressed the importance of identifying, mapping and preserving as much as possible for future generations, while recognising the importance of providing the commercial fulfilment of modern services. ISCA delivers a full range of commercial archaeology services. Its heritage consultancy covers desk-based heritage and archaeological assessments, settings assessments, conservation, heritage and archaeological management plans, and historic building recording. Historic building recording is offered at four levels of detail in accordance with Historic England guidance, ranging from a basic visual record (Level 1) to a comprehensive analytical record (Level 4), and is typically required when a planning condition demands that a historic building be recorded before alteration, extension or demolition. The company works with clients and statutory authorities as part of managed site redevelopment to secure the best possible outcome. On the archaeological side, ISCA prepares Written Schemes of Investigation (WSIs) that set out methodology and procedures to satisfy planning conditions, identifying known and potential archaeological features, deposits and heritage assets. Its field team carries out watching briefs, evaluations and excavations of every size, working with heavy plant, Leica GPS systems and other equipment to operate effectively and safely. Post-excavation, the company produces detailed reports in compliance with CIfA principles and guidelines, collaborating with specialists from various fields to analyse the finds and data generated by investigations. ISCA also offers archaeological geophysical surveying and community engagement, including volunteering, presentations and open days, reflecting its belief that history should be available to all. The company emphasises health and safety, describing itself as a CHAS Advanced accredited contractor. It provides staff with clear instruction and regular training, notes that all staff hold CSCS cards, completes a specific risk and safety assessment for each site (provided to the client in advance), commits to regular health and safety inspections, and evaluates and regularly adjusts its policies. Its stated values include providing an excellent, high-quality and professional service tailored to client requirements; advancing archaeological methods through cutting-edge technological approaches designed to streamline and improve recording; and providing outreach opportunities to disseminate shared heritage and make it accessible to all.

A CIfA Registered Organisation offering a highly commercial, client-focused approach to archaeological and heritage services, combining professional standards with competitive costing.

• Desk-Based Heritage and Archaeological Assessments

  Assessments that help clients preparing planning applications understand risks to development proposals caused by the historic environment.

• Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI)

  A document providing methodology and archaeological procedures to satisfy a planning condition, outlining known and potential archaeological features, deposits and heritage assets.

• Archaeological Fieldwork

  On-site services including watching briefs, evaluations and excavations of every size, using heavy plant, Leica GPS systems and other equipment.

• Historic Building Recording

  Recording of statutorily listed or unlisted historic buildings prior to alteration, extension or demolition, offered at four levels from basic visual record (Level 1) to comprehensive analytical record (Level 4).

• Conservation, Heritage and Archaeological Management Plans

  Plans for historic buildings, archaeological sites and cultural landscapes that identify the significance of a heritage asset and provide practical policies for its protection, maintenance and future management.

• Post-Excavation Reports

  Detailed reports produced in compliance with CIfA principles and guidelines, analysing finds and data from archaeological investigations with specialist collaborators.

• Archaeological Geophysical Surveying

  Geophysical surveying services for archaeological investigation.

• Community Engagement

  Outreach activities including volunteering, presentations and open days to share heritage and knowledge.

1. 1ISCA Archaeology - Homeiscaarch.co.uk
2. 2About Us - ISCA Archaeologyiscaarch.co.uk
3. 3Heritage Consultancy | ISCA Archaeologyiscaarch.co.uk
4. 4Archaeological Servicesiscaarch.co.uk
5. 5Isca Archaeology - Wikidatawikidata.org