Location
Richmond upon Thames, London, TW9 4DU
About the job
Summary
The National Archives (TNA) is the official archive of the UK government and for England and Wales, and makes a vast collection of historical records dating back over 1,000 years available to the public. TNA is also an Independent Research Organisation (IRO), meaning we are eligible to lead UKRI-funded research. Complementing our deep collections and subject expertise, interdisciplinary research into all aspects of our collections and activities is at the heart of what we do, as we seek to create new knowledge that advances understanding in archives, our shared heritage, and the wider community to change lives for the better. We work with our vast collections and a diverse range of national and international university, heritage and industry partners on creative and distinctive research in areas including humanities and social science research into our collections, applied digital research, archival and information science, and heritage science and conservation.
We have made a significant investment in our Research and Academic Engagement Department which leads, conducts, enables and disseminates dynamic and adventurous research. This stimulating environment provides the opportunity to develop programmes of applied collaborative research into our practice and collections that draw on expertise across TNA. In addition to our research activities, the team runs research training and academic programmes for colleagues across TNA, for the academic community, and for students, including our doctoral training partnership, collaborative doctoral partnerships, and student placements.
In alignment with our other areas of research activity, we are developing strategic programmes of collections research with colleagues across TNA. Current collaborative projects with external partners include: the Irish Government-funded Beyond 2022 project to create an open-access, virtual reconstruction of Dublin’s Record Treasury destroyed in 1922; transcribing and analysing letters and related records of the poor that relate to the Poor Law, between 1834 and 1900; investigating the use of machine learning for visual search of design collections; studying documents seized by the British Royal Navy from captured enemy ships during wars at sea between the 16th and 19th centuries; into the political activity of the archbishops of York, 1304–1405; and into the watermarks of Isaac Newton’s papers. We embrace opportunities to innovate in methods and approaches in all aspects of our work, in line with our research priorities and corporate vision, Archives for Everyone.
Responsibilities
About the role:
- This is an exciting opportunity to become an integral part of cutting-edge research at The National Archives. Join us in the Research and Academic Engagement team as the Head of Collections Research, to deliver world-class work that builds on TNA’s expertise to create new insights into our collections and activities.
- With a strong reputation for innovative research in heritage collections or a relevant subject such as history, and a record of securing research funding from a range of sources, you have a passion for multidisciplinary collaboration, actively seeking new opportunities for interdisciplinary research that unlocks the potential and promise of collections and the communities of experts that curate and use them. A key senior member of our Research and Academic Engagement Department, you will establish and lead a team to deliver the future of TNA’s collections research.
- We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community and from people of diverse ages, experience and backgrounds, including people with disabilities. We are keen to explore the widest possible pool of talent for all our roles.
- Currently working remotely due to the pandemic, our usual place of work is in the beautiful surroundings of Kew, a 10-minute walk from Underground and Overground stations. TNA boasts a collegial working environment and the excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, wellbeing resources, and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme. Putting people at the forefront of our organisation, we are committed to enabling professional development and training for all our colleagues.
- This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.
- A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site.
How to apply:
To submit your application please click the ‘Apply now’ button on this page. You will be asked to write a personal statement and upload your CV. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section so please make full use of the 1250 word count.
Please note: anonymised recruitment is standard for roles across the Civil Service. However, due to the nature of this role and the information required in the selection process, please disregard any requests to anonymise your application.
Essential criteria:
1. Doctorate or equivalent experience in collections or heritage research or a field relevant to TNA’s collections.
2. Proven record of strategic planning and securing funding for innovative interdisciplinary collections research in the academic or heritage sector.
3. Ability to lead research projects as Principal or Co-Investigator, with experience of managing your own and others’ contributions to research projects, and of managing conflicting demands to deliver excellent research.
4. Recognised authority in collections, heritage or subject-area research, with a wide network of academic and heritage contacts.
5. Evidence of leadership and diplomacy, showing strong collaborative skills and working with efficient and effective delegation.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to forge and maintain relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, engendering the trust and confidence to facilitate collaborative working, partnerships and co-operation, including at senior levels.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including academic publications and presenting to a range of stakeholders and audiences.
8. Ability to prioritise, to work independently and without supervision in a non-routine role, exercising judgment on when to consult colleagues, and to work well as part of an agile and busy team.
Desirable criteria:
1. Experience of working in the broader heritage sector or in archives.
2. Experience of leading a team with confidence.
Benefits
Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, subsidised staff restaurant and opportunities for training and development.
Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Selection process details
Reasonable adjustments:
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
• Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
UK nationals
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Further information on nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Name : The National Archives Recruitment Team
Email : careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Telephone : 02039855979
Recruitment team :
Email : careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact The National Archives via email: careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/
