My gaffer has a basic IPAQ rz17 series i think,

It has TTN 5 on it and keeps asking for more memory, The IPAQ itself only has about 3-4Mb of memory space left and the SD card has plenty,

He only uses this as a GPS device and the question is, is there any way to remove embedded programmes such as word/excel from the device to free up a bit more space?

I dont think u can remove embedded programs like word/excel. These are normally on the rom so even if u hard reset the device these things come back. U can however re-organise your personal programs and shift them to the memory card. the best thing in this case would be to remove the gps program and then re-install it on the sd card. also copy the maps to the sd card. This way u can free up a lot of memory. Try and install all your programs on the SD card.

TT5 is notoriously memory hungry. Does he have his POIs showing on the map as that takes up large amount. If so he should press "hide POIs". He will still get any warnings (cameras) he has set up.

Maps are normally always on the card - too big for ROM or RAM. Programme normally always install on the Ipaq - but there is a way of keeping it on the card - suggest you look at the forums at www.pocketgpsworld.com for help as to how because I can't remember.