What is Forensic & Expert Social Anthropology?
Forensic and Expert Social Anthropology (FESA) is a specialised branch of social anthropology distinguished by its theoretical, methodological and ethical features. Theoretically, FESA is geared to provide evidence to legal-administrative processes addressing questions of human social culture. Methodologically, FESA practitioners deliver two composite services, either or both forensic investigation into human social culture, and/or expert opinion and advice in relation to that culture. Ethically, FESA is concerned with support for equitable access to justice on the part of vulnerable cultural communities.
Forensic and Expert Social Anthropologists use their expertise to provide evidence to legal-administrative processes addressing questions of human social culture. They are not only required to have a detailed understanding of Social Anthropology as a discipline, but also an in-depth knowledge of the legal framework of whichever country within which they work.
Certification & Chartership
There is now an international certification programme for Forensic and Expert Social Anthropologists, run by the RAI for applicants based globally. This certification ensures those working within this field can demonstrate their skill level and show that they are working to standards set by the RAI and endorsed by the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice and Conduct (CoPC).
Certification of forensic and expert social anthropologists is separated into three practitioner levels. Applicants do not need to progress through consecutive levels but can apply directly for FESA I chartership and FESA II certification.
For further details on how to apply for each level of certification, follow the links below or review the Practitioner Levels document.
Chartered FESA Level 1
The highest level of accreditation and is chartered status. These are highly experienced practitioners who hold a PhD and have experience in court rooms and working with governments and NGOs.
Certified FESA Level 2
The intermediate level of professional certification for those who have advanced their skills within the discipline with a minimum 5 years’ experience, lead authorship on multiple reports and minimum MA qualifications.
Certified FESA Level 3
The earliest level aimed at appropriately qualified individuals who have begun to develop their skills within the discipline, have joint authorship on reports, and a minimum BA(Hons).
Not quite ready to apply but still interested in FESA Certification?
Register your interest here:
Forensic Anthropology Committee & FESA Advisory Group
The Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (RAI) has a Forensic Anthropology Committee whose main role is to provide oversight of the professional certification process.
Their work to date has included the development of:
- A robust FESA Curriculum for RAI-certified practitioners
- Practitioner Levels framework for Forensic and Expert Social Anthropologists
- A Code of Practice for RAI-certified Forensic and Expert Social Anthropologists
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework for FESA practitioners
- Extensive Examination Procedures for the RAI FESA certification programme
The RAI is honoured to have the support and guidance of the FESA Advisory Group, made up of leading FESA experts: [person A, person B, etc]
[endorsement quote from person A]
[endorsement quote from person B]
External Resources
Centre for Native Title Anthropology (CNTA)
Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice and Conduct (CoPC)
If you have any further questions about Forensic and Expert Social Anthropology or certification/chartership under the Royal Anthropological Institute, please contact fac@therai.org.uk.