About the programme
The National Archives and the Archives and Records Association (ARA) have partnered to develop a programme to support recordkeepers (archivists, conservators, and records managers) to develop their leadership skills and pursue continuing professional development (CPD).
Both organisations are committed to finding solutions to workforce development challenges and this programme responds to an acknowledged issues related to career mobility within the archive sector. The programme complements wider support already provided by The National Archives and ARA.
This programme feeds directly into the action plan for The Government’s new vision for archives in England, which officially launched on 17 April. It will directly address one of the vision’s three key aims – to ensure the sustainability of the sector by strengthening workforce capabilities and advocating for archives at the highest level.
The programme is aimed at recordkeepers of all career stages (early, mid, and senior). It includes an annual summit, leadership training for different career-stages, peer-to-peer support, and other online and in-person events and networking opportunities. We encourage recordkeepers to sign up to various aspects of the programme, to support their own CPD. Future events will be announced in due course.
Definitions of each career stage are at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions about the above programme or identifying your career stage, please feel free to contact us.
Upcoming events
Leadership for recordkeepers summit (Friends House, London)
Wednesday 4 November 2026 (10:00 – 17:00)
This summit will celebrate leadership across the recordkeeping sector and provide delegates with the chance to understand better their current skills, improve their confidence, explore opportunities to develop their leadership, and advocate effectively.
The event is aimed at recordkeepers across all career stages, and will involve panel discussions, workshops, a cross-career exchange, and networking opportunities. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. A limited number of travel bursaries are available to apply for.
Find out more about the summit and register to attend
Leadership skills training course – mid-career professionals (online)
October – November 2026
This mid-career course will help participants strengthen their leadership impact, communication and influence. Across three interactive workshops, participants will explore how to understand their leadership style, how to lead conversations that matter, and how to influence, advocate and manage stakeholder relationships.
Focusing on self-awareness, relationship-building, communication, strategic thinking and practical leadership challenges, the course provides opportunities for reflection, peer learning and real-world application, helping participants to lead more effectively. The course will include self-led tasks outside of the workshop and post-course action learning sets.
Workshop 1: Thursday 22 October (13:00 – 16:00)
Workshop 2: Tuesday 10 November (13:00 – 16:00)
Workshop 3: Tuesday 24 November (13:00 – 16:00)
Register to attend the mid-career training course
Leadership skills training course – early-career professionals (online)
January – February 2027
This early-career course will help participants build confidence, influence and career direction. Through three interactive workshops, attendees will explore how to lead from their current position, communicate with greater confidence and effectiveness, and make intentional choices about their professional development.
Focusing on leadership identity, effective communication, relationship-building, resilience and career growth, the course encourages participants to recognise their existing strengths and develop practical skills for succeeding and progressing in the workplace. The course will include self-led tasks outside of the workshop and post-course action learning sets.
Workshop 1: Tuesday 12 January (13:00 – 16:00)
Workshop 2: Wednesday 27 January (13:00 – 16:00)
Workshop 3: Tuesday 9 February (13:00 – 16:00)
Register to attend the early-career training course
Leadership Peer Support Programme (one-year commitment)
January 2027 – January 2028
The Leadership Peer Support Programme aims to support professional development through mentoring and knowledge exchange. The system will be peer led, and there will be an online introductory call and check-in points facilitated by The National Archives and ARA.
You can apply to be either a mentor or a mentee, at any career stage. You will commit to a minimum of a one-hour self-led mentoring meeting each quarter, in addition to:
- A one-hour online introductory webinar for both mentors and mentees introducing the process and meeting the peer you have been matched with
- A drop-in surgery session at the six-month stage (one for mentors, and one for mentees)
- An online one-hour wash-up session to reflect on the process (one for mentors, and one for mentees)
This programme will officially launch in January, and you will have an opportunity to express an interest in being either a mentee or mentor until 30 November, 23:59 GMT.
Express an interest in joining the leadership peer support system
Career stage definitions
We define the three career stages within the recordkeeping sector as the following:
Early career: Perhaps you have 1-10 years’ experience in the sector. Examples might include those who have recently completed a professional qualification (or are working towards it) or are thinking about working towards ARA professional registration. You might be in more junior roles, focused on developing more technical skills with limited management responsibility.
Mid-career: You may have more than 10 years’ experience. You may have responsibility for managing staff, budgets or other resources. You actively continue with your professional development, and you might be working towards or have gained Registered Membership of the ARA.
Senior: You may have responsibility for a recordkeeping service or may be in a role with a wider portfolio that includes responsibility for a recordkeeping service. You will have responsibility for leading the strategic direction of the service or you may be working with a range of organisations to provide strategic support around recordkeeping. You might be working towards or have gained ARA Fellowship.