Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of our research service and manage public access to our extensive archive.
- Company: Join the vibrant Southbank Centre, a hub of creativity and culture in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to accessible and engaging creative work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting people with our rich cultural heritage.
- Qualifications: Accredited qualification in Archives or significant experience in a heritage setting.
The predicted salary is between 33600 - 33600 £ per year.
We are currently looking for an Access Archivist to join our Creative Engagement team on a part time fixed term contract until May 2027. The Southbank Centre Archive comprises more than 3000 boxes / 1.5 kilometres of documents, photos, objects, recordings and born-digital material which together tell the story of the Southbank Centre since its 1951 Festival of Britain inception. The collection continues to grow, increasingly in digital form.
The Access Archivist will lead the strategic development and delivery of our celebrated research service, combining participatory methodology throughout their work. Acting as the primary authority for collection access, you will manage all public, press-activation and internal access, and support on various anniversary celebratory projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the operation and development of the enquiry service, acting as the senior point of escalation for complex enquiries (in-person and remote).
- Build and maintain relationships with artistic, community and academic partners to improve the visibility of the archive service in line with wider Creative Engagement aims.
- Conduct in-depth archival research to assist users in locating specific documents or information in support of their query.
- Provide expert guidance on the use of archival material within the research process, in particular focusing on copyright, data protection and licensing for Southbank staff and the public.
- Provide support internally in vocalising heritage amongst varied 75th anniversary programs, including Steel Scenes, Skate Space 50 and Refugee Week, amongst others, through co-curation, archive asset delivery and other input into project development.
Skills & Experience
- An accredited qualification in Archives and Records management, or significant equivalent experience in a heritage environment.
- A deep understanding of the requirements of archival work, including cataloguing standards (ISAD(G)), repackaging, digitising, and arranging archive material.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Copyright legislation and Data Protection (GDPR) as they apply to public access and licensing.
- Demonstrable research skills, familiarity with archival research methodology and experience in handling historical documents and archival materials.
- Demonstrable interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), with the ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people, both internally and externally at all levels.
Benefits
- A min 5% pension contribution (going up to 9% depending on employee contribution), from day 1 of employment.
- 28 days annual leave, plus...
Access Archivist in London employer: Southbank Centre
Contact Detail:
Southbank Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Access Archivist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company and its culture, and think about how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to ask them too.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their projects and goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Southbank Centre. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Access Archivist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Access Archivist role. Highlight your relevant experience in archival work and how it aligns with our Creative Engagement team's goals. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your research skills and knowledge of copyright and data protection. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these areas with ease, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Personable: Remember, we value good communication! Use your application to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Share experiences where you’ve built relationships or collaborated with others, as this is key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure 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 the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southbank Centre
✨Know Your Archive Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Southbank Centre Archive. Familiarise yourself with its history, key collections, and recent projects. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your research methodology and any past experiences where you've successfully handled archival materials. Bring examples of how you've navigated copyright and data protection issues in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Access Archivist position.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've collaborated with community or academic partners. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role's emphasis on improving visibility and engagement with the archive service.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about upcoming projects or how the Creative Engagement team envisions the future of the archive. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to be part of their journey.