
Social Impact Programmes
At Elder Archaeology, CIC, we specialise in designing and delivering social impact programmes that put communities at the heart of archaeology and heritage. Unlike many consultancy firms, we were founded specifically to create and manage community-focused heritage initiatives, an approach formally recognised by Innovator International as the first of its kind in the UK.
Led by Dr Colin Elder, a professional archaeologist and historian with over 15 years of experience, our approach is tried, tested, and award-winning. Dr Elder has delivered NLHF-funded programmes such as Big Dig Rochdale 2.0 and the Broadfield Park Slopes Regeneration Programme, both of which combined large-scale community involvement with high-quality archaeological research. His work has been recognised with the Association for Industrial Archaeology’s Community Engagement Event of the Year (2024) and the University of Salford’s Celebration of Innovation Award (2024, Established Experts Category).
Whether you are a local group, school, or large-scale developer, Elder Archaeology can help you design, fund, and deliver heritage programmes that leave a lasting legacy. Our focus on training, participation, and social impact ensures that every project strengthens both local heritage and community identity, turning archaeology into an engaging and transformative experience for everyone involved.
