Thank you for your interest in joining the Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research or the Manorial and Tithe Documents Panel.
Roles available
- Download information about the Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research role (PDF) and how to apply
- Download information about the Manorial and Tithe Documents Panel role (PDF) and how to apply
Who we are
The National Archives houses one of the greatest collections of historical manuscripts, records and artefacts in the world. It is, quite simply, the home of our nation’s history, storing more than 11 million records at our headquarters in Kew.
The Forum
A subcommittee of the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives, the Forum provides expert advice to the Chief Executive of The National Archives in his capacity as Historical Manuscripts Commissioner. It also advises the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on matters relating to manuscripts, records and archives.
The Forum meets three times a year and sessions usually last half a day. There is a small amount of work to do outside meetings in terms of reading papers and commenting on documents. This probably amounts to an additional one to two days’ input per year.
In addition, the Forum is a place for discussion of academic research issues. It provides an open, independent and authoritative advisory voice, to support research and academic liaison at The National Archives.
The Panel
A subcommittee of the Forum on Historical Manuscripts and Academic Research, the Panel provides expert advice to the Master of the Rolls and the Chief Executive of The National Archives in his capacity as Historical Manuscripts Commissioner. It meets regularly once a year with extra sessions and email communications as required.
As well as providing advice on Manorial Rules, the Panel provides advice on the promotion and development of manorial documents and the registers which list them. It provides a positive and authoritative advisory voice on these records to those who require its advice.
About the roles
The role of a member in either group involves participating in the work, considerations and discussions. We seek someone committed to the maintenance and preservation of archive collections or manorial documents in the national interest, who can ideally provide an independent voice to advise on these issues.
You should be possessed of objectivity and discretion and you will understand the needs, requirements and obligations of independent archive holders and academics.
We actively seek a broad range of members, to reflect a multitude of experiences and backgrounds and are keen to encourage applications from people who are BAME or LGBTQ+ and from those with a disability.
There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with archives. If you have the experience, knowledge and skills to help make key decisions, and shape the future of independent archives and privately held records in the UK, then we would be delighted to hear from you. The deadline for applications is 4 July 2023.