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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 with access to development events and networking opportunities.
- 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: Flexible study options available; we welcome diverse applicants from all backgrounds.
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[...] in London 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[...] in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity and voluntary sector, especially those connected to 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. Let them see how much this means to you!
✨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 show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the details you need, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship: Charity and Voluntary Sector Archive[...] in London
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 CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in archives or the voluntary sector. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge related to the project.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Be sure to explain why you’re interested in this studentship and how your background makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
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 recent challenges and developments in the field, especially those highlighted in the job description. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the sector.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss your Masters degree or any equivalent experience in archives or the voluntary sector. Prepare specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the project’s goals. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions for Dr Georgina Brewis, Professor Elizabeth Shepherd, and the team at The National Archives. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the studentship aligns with your career aspirations.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on diversity in the job description, be prepared to discuss how your background or experiences can contribute to a more inclusive environment in the archives sector. Highlight any relevant initiatives you've been part of or ideas you have for promoting diversity.
