Rubicon Heritage Services: First Non-UK Firm Awarded ‘Registered Organisation’ Quality Assurance Mark

Rubicon Heritage Services: First Non-UK Firm Awarded ‘Registered Organisation’ Quality Assurance Mark

01 May 2012

Leading Irish owned archaeological consultancy, Rubicon Heritage Services (formerly Headland Archaeology (Ireland) Ltd.) is pleased to announce that it is the first archaeological company outside of the UK to be awarded the ‘Registered Organisation' (RO) quality assurance mark, unique in the Heritage Sector.

Achieving RO status is a big coup for Rubicon, whose head office if located in Little Island, Cork; as they went through a complex process that saw them fully audited and vetted by the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA).

The ‘Registered Organisation' scheme is a unique quality assurance mark. There is no equivalent in the historic environment, and it is a ‘kite mark' of commitment to professional standards and competence. Archaeological projects are complex; and for commercially funded work, the IfA strongly recommends the use of its quality assured ROs. In order to achieve RO status, organisations have to demonstrate the requisite skills to provide informed and reliable advice; execute schemes of work appropriate to the circumstances; minimising uncertainty, delay and cost; and subscribe to codes of professional conduct and practice.

Speaking about the rigorous process involved, Rubicon Heritage Services Managing Director, Colm Moloney said "We wanted to achieve this status in order to demonstrate to our clients how proficient, efficient and reliable we are, and we are the first Irish company to ever take such intensive steps to demonstrate this. Our clients can be confident that we are regularly assessed, professional and accountable."

Achieving RO status ties nicely in with Rubicon's latest expansion into the South East of England, with the opening of a London office earlier this month. Rebranded in 2011, the move is a natural progression for Rubicon, one of the largest archaeological firms in Europe, who, in January, announced their expansion into the Scottish and other UK markets, valued at approximately £60million per annum, building on its existing reputation for expertise in heritage and archaeology. 

Returning to the company where he started his career, Brendon Wilkins, Operations Director (UK South), will be heading up the new office. Brendon will spearhead Rubicon's growth in the South of England, bringing his wealth of experience in commercial archaeology, having worked in both Britain and Ireland, managing large-scale infrastructure projects for the public and private sectors.

Commenting on the expansion, Brendon said: "Building on our track record of professionalism, efficiency and delivery, this is a fantastic opportunity to extend our specialist expertise throughout the South East of England. We have a strong company vision, and the establishment of our new office is an expression of confidence in our innovative, award winning service, and the future of the commercial archaeological industry in the UK and Ireland as a whole."

The shareholders of Rubicon Heritage Services are Colm Moloney, Damian Shiels, Ross Macleod and Louise Baker. Further information on the company and all their latest news is available at www.rubiconheritage.com.