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- Tasks: Research and develop strategies for preserving charity and voluntary sector archives.
- Company: UCL and The National Archives, committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Fully funded studentship, access to development events, and flexible study options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by preserving vital histories of underrepresented communities.
- Qualifications: Masters degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse cohort and contribute to meaningful change in the archives sector.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
UCL and The National Archives are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Collaborative doctoral studentship from October 2021, under the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Scheme. The project explores archives and records management practices across the UK voluntary sector. It will be jointly supervised by Dr Georgina Brewis and Professor Elizabeth Shepherd at UCL and Kathryn Preston and Tina Morton at The National Archives. The student will be expected to spend time at both UCL and The National Archives. They will also become part of the wider cohort of CDP funded students across the UK, with access to CDP Cohort Development events. The studentship can be studied either full or part-time.
It is important to us that our organisations are more diverse, so we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We especially keen to hear from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds as they are currently underrepresented at this level in this area. Students should have a Masters degree in a relevant subject OR be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in a professional setting, such as work in archives or the voluntary sector.
Project Overview
The archives and records of charities and voluntary organisations constitute a neglected resource. They are sources of institutional identity and accountability, and can give access to personal and collective memories. In particular, voluntary organisations, campaigning bodies and community groups’ records preserve the histories of marginalised and disenfranchised individuals and communities whose voices can go unheard. This includes the UK’s BAME communities; LGBT+ individuals and groups; people with disabilities or ill health; as well as communities marginalised in myriad ways through poverty and other inequalities.
High-profile inquiries into the history of public, corporate and charitable bodies have highlighted the evidential value of records. These archives help explain the significance of charities to society, past and present. However, without the legal protection afforded to government records, charity archives also lack the financial resources and support networks that protect other private archives. Records are retained by charities in varying states of preservation and access, few organisations have staff with records management/archive expertise and many collections remain invisible.
Today, the voluntary sector faces the perfect storm: a major loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic combined with unprecedented calls on organisations’ services. This is a timely and urgent project that draws on qualitative research with charity leaders to explore archives and records management practices across the voluntary sector. It will produce a practical action plan to address identified challenges, propose improvements to support infrastructure and contribute to TNA’s strategic vision for the archives sector.
AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship: Charity and Voluntary Sector Archive[...] employer: Digital Preservation Coalition
Contact Detail:
Digital Preservation Coalition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship: Charity and Voluntary Sector Archive[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the charity and voluntary sector, especially those involved in archives. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential supervisors or colleagues, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the project and the impact of archives in the voluntary sector. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisations involved. Understand their missions, challenges, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for their team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the details you need, and applying directly helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and contributing to the important work in the archives sector.
We think you need these skills to ace AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship: Charity and Voluntary Sector Archive[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the charity and voluntary sector shine through. We want to see why this project matters to you and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in archives or the voluntary sector. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the challenges faced by these organisations.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your ideas are easy to follow. This will help us understand your thoughts better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Preservation Coalition
✨Know Your Archives
Make sure you brush up on the current state of charity and voluntary sector archives. Familiarise yourself with key issues, challenges, and recent developments in the field. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your Masters degree or any equivalent experience in archives or the voluntary sector. Highlight specific projects or roles where you've demonstrated skills relevant to the studentship, such as records management or working with diverse communities.
✨Connect with the Supervisors’ Work
Research Dr Georgina Brewis, Professor Elizabeth Shepherd, and the team at The National Archives. Understanding their research interests and recent publications can give you an edge, allowing you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate how your interests align with theirs.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Since the project values diversity, be ready to discuss how your background or experiences contribute to this goal. Share any relevant experiences working with underrepresented communities or initiatives that promote inclusivity within the archives sector.