Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the care and conservation of the Parliamentary Art Collection with a focus on preventive initiatives.
- Company: Join the UK Parliament, a key player in the UK's democratic system, ensuring its heritage is preserved.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, a generous pension, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a crucial conservation effort during Parliament's Restoration and Renewal Programme, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation, project management skills, and the ability to communicate technical matters effectively.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to work at the heart of the UK's history and culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Collections Care Conservator – Parliamentary Art Collection
UK Parliament
Working at the UK Parliament offers a unique and rewarding career at the heart of the UK's democratic system.
With a wide range of roles available, our impartial colleagues enable the day to day running of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Joint Departments. Together, we make Parliament happen. More information on what it's like to work at the House of Commons can be found here: Be at the heart of the House of Commons – UK Parliament
Staff Benefits
In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
- Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Access to training and development.
- Flexible working.
- Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.
Introduction
The Strategic Estates team takes great pride in caring for and improving the buildings of Parliament, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and efficient environment for Members, their staff, and visitors. As part of this, the Heritage Collections Team (HCT) is responsible for the professional management of three nationally and internationally significant collections, including the Parliamentary Art Collection (PAC).
With Parliament's Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme underway, this is a crucial time for heritage conservation. Over the next decade, a significant number of collection items will be decanted, conserved, and redisplayed to preserve the estate's historic value.
The Role
The Collections Care Conservator will support the care and conservation of the Parliamentary Art Collection, working closely with the PAC Collections Conservation Manager and the wider Heritage Collections Team (HCT). The role involves overseeing preventive conservation initiatives, commissioning specialist conservation work, and ensuring best practice standards are upheld across the collection.
Some of the key responsibilities for this role include:
- Leading preventive conservation and heritage cleaning programmes, including commissioning surveys and conservation work.
- Managing environmental monitoring, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and dust/vibration monitoring projects.
- Supporting the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme to ensure collection care aligns with wider estate management plans.
- Ensuring accurate conservation documentation and maintaining records in collection management systems.
- Contributing to emergency salvage planning and responding to salvage events.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Conservation expertise – Experience in a responsible conservation role within a museum, gallery, historic building, or fine art conservation studio.
- Specialist knowledge – Understanding of conservation processes and working with a range of media such as paper, paintings, sculpture, and textiles.
- Project management skills – Ability to plan, organise, and prioritise conservation projects, particularly in relation to collections development and displays.
- Decision-making and problem-solving – Strong time management and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and fast-paced challenges.
- Communication and influencing skills – Ability to explain technical conservation matters to non-specialist audiences and advocate for best practices.
Next Steps and Additional Information
- Application Form – If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-5 in the Job Description.
More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.
Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Please ensure that you anonymise your application by removing any identifiable factors from your CV or Supporting Statement.
We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
#LI-Hybrid
Collections Care Conservator employer: HOUSE OF COMMONS-3
Contact Detail:
HOUSE OF COMMONS-3 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Care Conservator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific conservation techniques relevant to the Parliamentary Art Collection. Understanding the unique challenges and requirements of conserving various media like paper, paintings, and textiles will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the heritage conservation field. Attend workshops or seminars related to preventive conservation and engage with others who have experience in similar roles to gain insights and advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in conservation management. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your project management skills in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully planned and executed conservation projects, particularly those that involved collaboration with other teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Care Conservator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Carefully read the job description for the Collections Care Conservator position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your conservation expertise and experience in similar roles. Focus on your knowledge of conservation processes and any project management skills that align with the job requirements.
Address the Criteria: Ensure that your application clearly addresses criteria 1-5 mentioned in the job description. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet these criteria.
Anonymise Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to anonymise your CV and Supporting Statement by removing any identifiable information. This is crucial for maintaining fairness in the selection process.
How to prepare for a job interview at HOUSE OF COMMONS-3
✨Showcase Your Conservation Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in conservation roles, particularly within museums or galleries. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed conservation tasks and the techniques you employed.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've planned and organized conservation projects. Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks and managing timelines, especially in relation to collections development and displays.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice explaining technical conservation concepts in simple terms. The interviewers will appreciate your ability to communicate with non-specialists, so be ready to demonstrate this skill.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Think of past situations where you faced challenges in conservation work. Be ready to share how you approached these problems, made decisions, and what the outcomes were, especially in emergency situations.
