Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), managed by the British Museum, records archaeological finds made by the public.

It operates through a network of 40 local Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) based at the British Museum, supported by government grants to the museum. The PAS is an essential resource for metal detectorists.

Adherence to the PAS’s recording requirements and the 2017 Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting is mandatory for membership in the Detectorists Institute & Foundation (DIF).

However, we recognise that expanding the scheme to serve its potential 40,000 to 50,000 active participants—currently only about 3,000 are engaged—presents significant administrative and logistical challenges. This expansion will require a deep level of understanding and strong support from detectorists.

The DIF actively supports the ongoing development of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), with detectorist members of the DIF Advisory Board (DIFAB) playing a role in the PAS UK Detecting Group.

This involvement includes Tom Redmayne, recognised as one of the scheme’s most experienced and prolific self-recorders, and Alix Smith, who has transitioned from volunteer to Finds Liaison Assistant for Wiltshire.