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- Tasks: Manage and promote unique archive collections while engaging with diverse communities.
- Company: Join the historic Conway Hall Ethical Society, a hub for ideas and culture.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful mission to preserve and share important historical resources.
- Qualifications: Professional archive qualification and experience in digital cataloguing required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 6735 - 6735 £ per year.
Conway Hall Ethical Society is an independent home for ideas and culture, supporting diverse communities engaging with ethics and the defining questions of life, through learning, conversation and creativity. Conway Hall is the oldest surviving freethought organisation in the world and holds the largest and most comprehensive humanist research resource in the UK. Since 1886, Conway Hall Library and Archives has been a haven for the radicals, political and social reformers and freethinkers who dared to dream of a better world. It is home to the archives of the Conway Hall Ethical Society and the National Secular Society, and other related archives and personal papers.
We are seeking a part-time Archivist to join our team. This new permanent post comes at an exciting juncture for the Conway Hall Library and Archives, as we work towards modernising our systems and improving our engagement with our collections. The Archivist will work closely with the Librarian and Head of Programmes to maximise the benefit of the archives, and achieve the best practice in collection care, management and engagement.
The Archivist's primary role will be to lead on professional management and use of the archives, including active cataloguing and physical handling. Over time, the Archivist will be expected to develop a deeper understanding of the archive collections and the contexts in which they were created. This will enable the post holder to assist enquirers fully and to take a creative approach to promoting and disseminating the knowledge the archives embody.
Job DescriptionYour role:
- Arranging and cataloguing the archive collections to recognised sectoral standards
- Creating and editing digital catalogue records for the archives to recognised sectoral standards
- Selecting and accessing appropriate archives into the collection
- Working on migration to new cataloguing system with the Head of Programmes
- Advising on physical preservation, conservation and handling of the archive collections
- Responding to enquirers and researchers and providing access to the archives
- Disseminating information on the archives online and via other relevant media
- Recommending items for digitisation for online access
- Creating physical and online displays utilising items, information and themes from the archives
- Promoting creative use and enjoyment of the archives by a range of audiences
- Deploying the archive resources to advance research, education and learning in line with Conway Hall's vision and mission
- Liaising with relevant institutions and professional bodies on matters relating to the archives
The Archivist is expected to develop close and effective working relations with the Librarian, Head of Programmes and Programmes Manager.
Other:- Comply with Conway Hall's policies such as health and safety, equal opportunities etc.
- Attend meetings and events when required, including staff meetings.
- Support the culture of fundraising throughout Conway Hall's activities and staff.
- Undertake training, as required.
- Participate actively in the life of the Society and venue.
- Any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of Programmes.
- A recognised professional archive qualification
- Experience of cataloguing archives on digital platforms to recognised sectoral standards
- Experience of providing advice on and access to archival resources
- Experience in creating public engagement materials from archive resources (e.g. blogs, articles, presentations)
- Experience of working with colleagues and partners to promote use of archive resources
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Experience of migrating cataloguing records and digital data between platforms
- An interest in the history of freethought, secularism and humanism
- An appreciation of the value of ethics in modern society
- A proactive, energetic attitude to work
- Ability to safely physically lift, move and carry weights, including while climbing stairs
- Well organised, with the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently
- Self-motivated and able to work autonomously, as well as collaboratively
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A commitment to the Charitable Object and aims of Conway Hall
- Salary: £6,735 per annum (£33,675 pro rata)
- Hours: 7.5 hours per week (1 day) including 1 hour paid lunch break, to be worked on Fridays
- Holidays: 24 days per annum pro rata, plus one week over the Christmas holiday period (based upon 37.5 hours per week)
- Probation period: Three months
- Pension: An optional stakeholder pension scheme is available. Employee contribution of 3% is matched by 5% from the employer.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter explaining how you meet the Person Specification to Holly Elson. Deadline for applications: 10am on Friday 13 February 2026.
Conway Hall is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are keen to broaden the range of voices involved in our charity.
Archivist (part-time) in London employer: Conway Hall
Contact Detail:
Conway Hall Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Archivist (part-time) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you tailor your cover letter specifically for the Archivist role at Conway Hall. Highlight your experience with cataloguing and public engagement materials, as this will show that you understand what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just send in your CV and cover letter; be proactive! Reach out to current staff or alumni who have worked there. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of freethought, secularism, and humanism. Being able to discuss these topics will show your passion for the role and the mission of Conway Hall.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Conway Hall.
We think you need these skills to ace Archivist (part-time) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Archivist. Highlight your passion for archives and how you can contribute to our mission at Conway Hall.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so make it clear!
Follow Application Instructions: Remember, we won’t consider applications made through Easy Apply without a cover letter. So, take a moment to ensure you’re following all the instructions carefully. It shows attention to detail!
Submit Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Conway Hall
✨Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Since submissions without a cover letter won't be considered, make sure yours stands out! Highlight your relevant experience in archiving and your passion for the history of freethought and humanism. Tailor it to reflect how your skills align with Conway Hall's mission.
✨Know Your Archives
Familiarise yourself with the collections at Conway Hall. Research their history and significance, especially regarding the Ethical Society and the National Secular Society. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital cataloguing and any platforms you've used. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully migrated data or created public engagement materials. This will show that you're ready to contribute to their modernisation efforts.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Understand Conway Hall's vision and mission. Think about how you can promote creative use of the archives and engage diverse audiences. Be ready to share ideas on how you would approach this in your role as Archivist, demonstrating your proactive attitude.