At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and preserve unique archive collections while engaging with the public through events and social media.
- Company: Join the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, a prestigious legal institution in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, private medical insurance, and a strong pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving history and supporting legal education in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in Archives & Records Management and experience with physical and digital collections.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Archivist to join their dedicated team.
Location: London, EC4Y 9BT
Salary: £42,000 – £46,000 gross per annum
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: 10am on 2nd March 2026
About The Honourable Society of The Middle Temple: As one of the four Inns of Court, we are proud to provide support, education and accommodation to barristers at every stage of their careers. The Inn awards just over a million pounds in scholarships each year, with the majority going to students commencing the bar vocational training course, some to students doing a post-graduate law conversion course, plus smaller amounts for ad hoc overseas placements, essay prizes etc. The Inn’s mission is to support the rule of law in the UK and overseas, especially Common Law jurisdictions, and carries this out by providing extensive education opportunities and support to its members across the world.
Assistant Archivist – The Role: In this full‑time role you’ll be one of two Assistant Archivists within a close‑knit team. Each Assistant Archivist has their own areas of responsibility and ownership, while also collaborating on shared projects across the department. You’ll work alongside the Archivist & Head of Collections, a Conservator and a Records Management Officer, contributing to the care, development and visibility of Middle Temple’s remarkable collections.
Assistant Archivist – Key Responsibilities:
- Arrange, describe, appraise, and preserve physical and digital records to international standards, including transfers, retention schedules, packaging, storage, and preventative conservation
- Work with Records Management and IT colleagues to facilitate the transfer and accrual of modern, electronic, and committee records, including membership data and bound materials
- Contribute to blogs, publications, social media, website content, oral history, exhibitions, events, and public engagement initiatives
- Support enquiry services, research requests, tours, visits, events, office administration, and other departmental or Inn-wide projects as required
Assistant Archivist – You:
- A relevant degree and post-graduate qualification in Archives & Records Management (or a related discipline)
- Proven experience working with physical and digital archive collections, including appraisal, arrangement, cataloguing, collections care, and providing access to information
- Experience in archival or heritage outreach and engagement — such as writing articles or blog posts, creating social media content, developing displays and exhibitions, or supporting tours and visits
- Confidence in using archival material to retrieve, synthesise and present information clearly, helping to deliver meaningful access to knowledge; experience in a heritage, cultural or not-for-profit environment is highly valued
- Strong organisational, IT and communication skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload independently, prioritise effectively, meet deadlines, collaborate positively with colleagues, and work flexibly when required
Assistant Archivist – Benefits:
- Generous Annual Leave Entitlements
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (online resources and access to confidential counselling services)
- Private Medical Insurance (including gym membership)
- Medical Cashback Scheme (e.g. for dental, optical)
- Generous Pension (12% employer contribution)
- Season Ticket Loans
- Access to a Range of Learning & Development Opportunities
- Opportunity to join our dedicated team and work in a beautiful, unique, and historical setting in central London
Application Process: Middle Temple is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
Closing Date: 10am on 2nd March 2026
Interviews: 11th March 2026. To submit your application for this exciting Assistant Archivist opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now.
Assistant Archivist in London employer: The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Contact Detail:
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Archivist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the archives and records management field. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with physical and digital archive collections. Include examples of your cataloguing, outreach projects, and any content you've created for blogs or social media. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their projects and initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for archives!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Archivist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Archivist role. Highlight your relevant experience with physical and digital archive collections, and don’t forget to showcase any outreach or engagement work you've done. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about archives and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves public engagement and collaboration, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. Whether it's writing articles, creating social media content, or presenting information, we want to know how you can connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dedicated team at The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple's collections. Familiarise yourself with their archives and any recent projects they've undertaken. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Assistant Archivist, you'll need to communicate effectively about archival materials. Prepare examples of how you've engaged audiences through blogs, social media, or public events. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their outreach initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Bring examples of how you've successfully organised and preserved both physical and digital records in previous roles. This will reassure them that you can handle the varied workload they require.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about current projects or future initiatives within the department. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.