At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage copyright and accessioning for digital and physical archive collections.
- Company: National public body in the heritage and cultural sector with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving access to significant archive collections.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in Archive Administration and knowledge of UK copyright law.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 35000 £ per year.
Our client, a national public body within the heritage and cultural sector, is seeking an experienced Archivist (Copyright & Accessions) to join their archive team on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract. This role is based in Swindon with hybrid working available.
The successful candidate will lead on intellectual property rights (primarily copyright) across digital and physical archive collections and oversee the accessioning of new material into a nationally significant archive. This is a strong opportunity for an archivist with specialist copyright knowledge who is motivated by improving access, preservation, and the responsible sharing of collections for diverse audiences.
Responsibilities
- Lead on the management of intellectual property rights (primarily copyright) for digital and physical archive collections.
- Manage and coordinate the accessioning of new material into the archive, including material from partner organisations where applicable.
- Contribute to improved understanding of collections, including copyright status, condition, and access requirements.
- Support the delivery of archive material for income generation and improved public access.
- Ensure collection management processes follow agreed standards and are appropriately documented.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across acquisitions, cataloguing, digital preservation, and photographic services to support end-to-end archive management.
- Develop and maintain clear documentation, guidance, and business cases related to copyright and accession workflows.
- Promote accessible, engaging, and inclusive access to archive content and assets for a wide range of audiences.
Requirements
- Degree-level education in a relevant subject, or at least three years’ relevant experience, plus a formal professional qualification in Archive Administration (or equivalent experience).
- In-depth knowledge of UK copyright law as it applies to archives and records.
- Experience managing acquisition/accession processes within an archive or museum setting.
- Understanding of the challenges of providing access to original archive material while ensuring long-term preservation.
- Strong analytical skills, with proven ability to structure documentation and develop business cases.
- Awareness of best-practice customer service in archives and/or libraries.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and manage responsibilities effectively.
Competitive salary of £32,616 – £35,000 per annum. Defined benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of approximately 28.97%. Generous 28 days’ annual leave plus public holidays. Corporate discounts and wellbeing support. Free access to selected cultural and heritage sites nationwide. Learning and development opportunities to support professional growth. Hybrid working and a commitment to healthy work-life balance.
Working Pattern: Full-time
Location: Swindon (hybrid working available)
Salary: £32,616 – £35,000 per year
Application Process
Applications will be assessed and scored against the published criteria. Our client is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process for candidates with disabilities or neurodiversity. The organisation supports flexible working options, including job share, part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid arrangements (subject to operational requirements).
Provisional Interview Date: 26 February 2026 (in person, Swindon)
Archivist in Swindon employer: DiverseJobsMatter
Contact Detail:
DiverseJobsMatter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Archivist in Swindon
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the heritage and cultural sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your specialist copyright knowledge and experience with accessioning processes. We want to see you shine, so prepare some examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past!
✨Research the Organisation
Before any interview, do your homework on the organisation. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals. We love candidates who are passionate about our work!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Archivist role!
We think you need these skills to ace Archivist in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with copyright and accession processes. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant knowledge!
Showcase Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about working in the heritage and cultural sector. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to improving access and preservation of archive materials.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your documentation is well-structured and easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at DiverseJobsMatter
✨Know Your Copyright Inside Out
Since this role focuses heavily on copyright, make sure you brush up on UK copyright law as it applies to archives. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or examples where you've successfully navigated copyright issues in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Accessioning Experience
Highlight your experience with accession processes during the interview. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've managed new material and collaborated with partner organisations to enhance collections.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
This position requires working closely with various teams. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues from different departments, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a multi-disciplinary team.
✨Prepare Engaging Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions ready about their archive management practices or how they promote access to diverse audiences. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's mission.