Community engagement programmes are increasingly designed into archaeological projects in Sudan, largely prompted by the remit and funding of the Qatar-Sudan Archaeological Project (QSAP; 2013-present). This paper provides a critical reflection on how a British Museum project in northern Sudan instigated, evaluated and modified its community programme across twelve years, before, during and after QSAP funding. We outline the transition from western institutional project design and information sharing, to enhanced collaboration and local agency, within the context of specific local understandings of heritage (turath). The case study highlights the challenges, opportunities and some possible methodologies for archaeology projects within post-colonial environments.