We are seeking five new members to join the Archive Service Accreditation Committee.
This is an exciting opportunity to build on your understanding of archives management and practice. As a member of the Committee, you will see the range of challenges and successes that face archive services across the UK. You will also influence expectations about how an effective archive service performs.
Time commitment
Committee members attend one annual governance Committee meeting and one or two assessment and award Panel meetings each year. Each meeting requires significant preparation, particularly Panel meetings where members are assigned individual cases for review.
Panel meetings are held online via Teams. Committee meetings have in recent years been hybrid and travel expenses are paid for in-person attendance.
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours and Selection Criteria
The Committee has co-created a framework of knowledge, skills and behaviours to support the recruitment of new members as follows:
- Suitable experience to support development across a range of archive services. This may include experience with standards, serving on heritage sector bodies, working with varied stakeholders and/or service management
- Strong understanding and experience of aspects of the Accreditation standard, and commitment to ongoing professional development
- Experience of engaging with or applying for Archive Service Accreditation or a comparable programme
- Effective analytical skills based on reviewing evidence and making decisions
- Collaborative skills and the ability to express clear views while respecting the contributions of others
- Outcomes-focused approach, seeking positive impacts from the programme
To reflect the scope of the programme, we need a Committee with an understanding of the different mission and governance types of archive services, who have knowledge of the different regions and nations of the UK, and who can bring different areas of expertise. We may make our recruitment decisions to account for need.
We particularly welcome applications from conservators as this is a knowledge gap among members of the Committee.
The recent Archive Service Accreditation review increased content around environmental sustainability, practical digital preservation, engagement and inclusion. We would welcome the opportunity to develop our understanding of assessment in these areas.
It is not mandatory to work in archives to apply and applicants may have experience of other heritage sectors, or of public engagement and/or participation within the cultural heritage field. If you retired more than 3 years ago, we ask that you demonstrate ongoing engagement with matters affecting archive services.
It is important that Archive Service Accreditation is diverse and welcoming to all and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.
How to apply
- To apply, please submit a personal statement explaining how you meet the selection criteria; what your perception of Archive Service Accreditation; and how the role supports your professional aspirations (up to 1000 words). Please also include a CV demonstrating your relevant experience.
- Please submit your application to accreditation@nationalarchives.gov.uk by 23 January 2026 and indicate in the subject line of the email that you are applying to join the Accreditation Committee.
We will invite shortlisted candidates for an interview on either 23 February and 5 March 2026. Please indicate if you have a preference for interview date.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. This includes providing support, in the form of reasonable adjustments, for people who have a disability or a long-term condition. Should you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact us at least 15 days before the application deadline at accreditation@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role with a current Committee member, please contact us at accreditation@nationalarchives.gov.uk in the first instance.