The NCMD and its members are long-time supporters of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), we strongly believe that the recording of our finds is an important part of our hobby and that the Treasure Act ensures that important heritage items can be saved for the nation.
For some time however, it is clear from our members feedback and indeed, our own experiences, that both the current finds recording process and the treasure process are under increasing pressure and have not been working as effectively as they once did.
In order for us to better understand the difficulties faced by the FLO’s, and to help them understand the issues faced by detectorists, we recently held a meeting with Michael Lewis, Head of PAS, and asked him to put together an expectation document so that both sides could be clear as to what the recording process is, what the service levels should be and also, the escalation process if there is an issue.
Michael has kindly provided that document, see below. The good news is that the current system is being upgraded with the launch of a new PAS website, which will undoubtedly help to make things better, until then we will continue to work with the PAS to discuss the issues and to push for changes that could be made in the short term to improve the system for the benefit of all parties.
We will also be meeting with the DCMS to discuss the Treasure Act revision and will continue to push for improvements to the treasure process, particularly around the current timescales and also the lack of communication in a lot of cases.
Rest assured that we will continue to work with all those involved with PAS in order to push for the changes that are so desperately needed. In the meantime, please read FLO EXPECTATION DOCUMENT, your main contact should always be your local FLO. Please be patient as they are under huge pressure and always treat them with courtesy and respect.
