In the 1996 review document, Frameworks for Our Past, English Heritage identified the need for greater emphasis on research within modern archaeology. The survey suggested that while archaeology was becoming increasingly professionalised, the work being undertaken was seen to have less focus on current research issues. The recommendation was the creation of Research Frameworks for each of the regions of England to provide a context and common focus for archaeological work.
The creation of a Research Framework for archaeology in the North West was initiated by English Heritage and the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (North West). Work on developing the Research Framework for the North West started with a conference 'Framing the Past' held in Lancaster in 2001, and began as a full-time project in August 2003. It was completed in May 2007.
With the support of Historic England, The Research Framework was revisited and revised by the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (North West) between 2016 and 2022. This included a detailed review of archaeological work undertaken in the region over the last ten years, and how the research questions and objectives for archaeology and the built historic environment have evolved.