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- Tasks: Support exciting projects by transcribing historical letters and managing a team of volunteers.
- Company: Join The National Archives, a hub for history and research in the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, remote work options, and a chance to make history accessible.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that brings Victorian stories to life for everyone.
- Qualifications: Interest in history, strong communication skills, and experience with volunteer management.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for public engagement and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Poor Law Projects Officer role at The National Archives, UK.
The National Archives, UK provided pay range. This range is provided by The National Archives, UK. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
This post will be responsible for supporting the delivery of two externally funded projects funded by the British Academy, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the University of Nottingham Trent’s Impact Fund.
The Testimony of the Victorian Poor is a collaborative research project led by The National Archives in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and funded by The British Academy (award reference: ARP24/250692). The project aims to identify, list and transcribe thousands of letters written by the Victorian English and Welsh paupers and the wider poor, found within the Poor Law Union Correspondence volumes at The National Archives. The project will then seek to geo-reference and subject-code each letter and upload each transcription to the open research database Voices of the Victorian Poor. The project is a follow-on from two highly successful earlier funded projects; these additional letters will mean that some c.18,500 letters will be accessible globally for free in perpetuity.
A Century of Struggle: Pauperism and the New Poor Law in Wales 1834 – 1930 is a collaborative research project led by The National Archives in collaboration with Aberystwyth University and Nottingham Trent University. The project aims to provide, for the first time, a detailed picture of the totality of the New Poor Law in Wales. It is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) (award reference: UKRI1432).
This postholder will be responsible for overseeing the identification, listing and transcription of historical data, as well as the management of a sizable volunteer group (c. 35-50 people) all of whom will be working with 19th century poor law archives. The volunteer group will be working both on and off-site. The post holder will also be responsible for the delivery of communication outputs (including blogs, social media, and recorded talks to the public) to publicise the work of the project, as well as liaising with project partners, attending project meetings (reporting on the archival data-set work), and assisting the wider project team as required. The post holder will work closely with the Principal Records Specialist (Collaborative Projects) who will be leading each project.
This role will be part-time (0.3 FTE/1.5 days a week) until 31 January 2029, with the possibility of extension.
A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.
The successful candidate would be expected to work onsite on Fridays. The remaining half day has more flexibility and will be agreed at the point of offer.
Person Specification
- A demonstrable keen interest and/or academic experience in a relevant specialist field;
- Demonstrable knowledge of the relevant poor law and related archival collections at The National Archives with requisite 19th century palaeography and language skills;
- Experience of communicating research through a variety of public engagement activities and communications outputs such as blogs, social media, exhibitions, recorded public talks, workshops and educational activities;
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, and therefore able to interact well and build effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders;
- Ability to handle a varied and demanding workload, and the ability to work both independently and within a team.
- Experience of working with and managing volunteers.
Senior and employment details
- Seniorit y level: Associate
- Employment type: Part-time
- Job function: Research and Other
- Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos and Government Administration
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Note: This description is sourced from the job posting and includes project details, responsibilities and qualifications as provided.
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Poor Law Projects Officer employer: The National Archives, UK
Contact Detail:
The National Archives, UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Poor Law Projects Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those connected to The National Archives or similar projects. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to speak with recruiters or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for poor law history and archival work. Let them see how much you care about the projects and the impact they have.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experience with volunteers. Since this role involves managing a sizable group, think of examples where you've successfully led or collaborated with others. It’ll show you’re ready for the challenge!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Poor Law Projects Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share why you're interested in the Poor Law Projects Officer position and how your background aligns with the projects. A personal touch can make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in managing volunteers and communicating research. We want to see how your skills fit the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain how your knowledge of poor law archives and your communication skills will contribute to the projects. Keep it engaging and concise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Archives, UK
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the details of the projects you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with 'The Testimony of the Victorian Poor' and 'A Century of Struggle'. Being able to discuss these projects confidently will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves public engagement and communication outputs, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated research in the past. Whether it's through blogs, social media, or talks, having specific instances ready will highlight your experience and skills.
✨Demonstrate Volunteer Management Experience
Think about your previous experiences managing volunteers or teams. Be ready to discuss how you motivated them, handled challenges, and ensured effective collaboration. This will be crucial as you'll be overseeing a sizable volunteer group.
✨Brush Up on Palaeography and 19th Century Language
Given the historical nature of the documents you'll be working with, it’s essential to demonstrate your knowledge of 19th-century palaeography and language skills. Consider preparing a brief overview of your relevant academic background or any practical experience you have in this area.