As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting. In our strategic vision: Archives for Everyone, we set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. We won’t become this overnight. It will take time, focus, effort and daring. That’s where you come in. Because we can’t do this without you. Job Overview Salary: £50,489 - £53,000 per annum Contract type: Permanent Band: G / Grade 7 Closing date: Wednesday 6th November 2024 at midnight The Head of Collections Research is a senior leader within the Research team of The National Archives (TNA)’s Research, Grants and Academic Engagement Department. They will work with the Head of Research, their team and colleagues across The National Archives to deliver excellent and ground-breaking research which enables new insights into our expertise and collections. They will define and implement a collections research strategy in line with our Research Vision and corporate strategy. Drawing on their own collections or relevant subject expertise, they will lead, enable, conduct and disseminate pioneering research. They will work closely with colleagues and external collaborators to foster innovation in method and enquiry, within and across disciplines, that leads to world-class research in the understanding and dissemination of TNA’s collections. Leading on building networks and communities that enable interdisciplinary collections research and unlock the potential of our collections in inclusive, disruptive and entrepreneurial ways, they will manage our strategic collections research programmes and contribute to the implementation of our Research Vision. They will represent TNA nationally and internationally to cultural heritage and higher education audiences in the context of collections research, and play a key role in communicating collections research across TNA, including at senior and executive levels. About us: The National Archives (TNA) is the official archive of the UK government and for England and Wales, making available to the public a vast collection of historical records dating back over 1,000 years. TNA is also an Independent Research Organisation (IRO): multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research into all aspects of our collections and activities is at the heart of what we do. Our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department is charged with conducting, enabling, and promoting world-class research, often delivered in collaboration with external partners including experts from academic, other heritage organisations, government departments and the industry. Within the beautiful surroundings of Kew, a 10-minute walk from the Underground and Overground stations, TNA boasts a collegial working environment and an excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, wellbeing resources and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme. Putting you at the forefront of our organisation, we are committed to supporting professional development and training for all our colleagues. 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. This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. How to apply: To submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page. You will be asked to upload your CV and write a personal statement. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section. Job Description Job Purpose The Head of Collections Research is a senior leader within the Research team of The National Archives (TNA)’s Research, Grants and Academic Engagement Department. They will work with the Head of Research, their team and colleagues across The National Archives to deliver excellent and ground-breaking research which enables new insights into our expertise and collections. They will define and implement a collections research strategy in line with our Research Vision and corporate strategy. Drawing on their own collections or relevant subject expertise, they will lead, enable, conduct and disseminate pioneering research. They will work closely with colleagues and external collaborators to foster innovation in method and enquiry, within and across disciplines, that leads to world-class research in the understanding and dissemination of TNA’s collections. Leading on building networks and communities that enable interdisciplinary collections research and unlock the potential of our collections in inclusive, disruptive and entrepreneurial ways, they will manage our strategic collections research programmes and contribute to the implementation of our Research Vision. They will represent TNA nationally and internationally to cultural heritage and higher education audiences in the context of collections research, and play a key role in communicating collections research across TNA, including at senior and executive levels. Role and Responsibilities Develop and implement a collections research strategy which aligns with our Research Vision and corporate strategy, and which drives new knowledge and understanding of our collections and translates research from TNA nationally and on the global stage. Conduct high-quality and impactful research in priority areas on behalf of The National Archives. Lead funded research projects that create new knowledge and understanding of our collections, with a focus on historical approaches. Support the creation and growth of research across The National Archives, by providing expertise, training, workshops, skills development, and mentoring; by supporting the creation of research projects across the organisation; and by bringing together different individuals and teams to address common questions. Represent TNA’s collections research to national and international multidisciplinary audiences through publications and events, promoting the visibility of our work and assuring our place internationally as a leading research archive and Independent Research Organisation. Engage proactively with UK and international collections and relevant subject-area research communities, identifying, through consultation and horizon-scanning, fields where TNA could make a unique and distinct intervention. Maintain knowledge of the latest developments in collections and relevant subject-area research, particularly in history, archives and heritage collections, and communicate them to relevant internal stakeholders. Lead on collections and history research business development activities, identifying key funders and potential collaborators, and building relationships at senior levels to further knowledge and practice in collections research. Develop an evidence base that will enable us to assess and demonstrate the impact of our collections research. Lead the development of the collections research business function, collaborating closely with colleagues in RGAE, in our Collections Expertise and Engagement Department, and across TNA. Lead a team of two collections researchers who support the delivery, enablement and dissemination of collections research inside and outside of TNA. Working Conditions Normal office environment Display Screen Equipment user Person Specification Essential: Doctorate or equivalent experience in collections or heritage research or a field relevant to TNA’s collections. Proven record of strategic planning and securing funding for innovative and interdisciplinary collections research in the academic or heritage sector. Ability to lead research projects as Principal or Co-Investigator, with experience of managing your own and others’ contributions to research projects, and of managing conflicting demands to deliver excellent research. Recognised authority in collections, heritage or subject-area research, with a wide network of academic and heritage contacts. Evidence of leadership and diplomacy, showing strong collaborative skills and working with efficient and effective delegation. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to forge and maintain relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, engendering trust and confidence to facilitate collaborative working, partnerships and co-operation, including at senior levels. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including in academic publications and when presenting to a range of stakeholders and audiences. Ability to prioritise, to work independently and without supervision in a non-routine role, exercising judgment on when to consult colleagues, and to work well as part of an agile and busy team. Desirable: Experience of working in the broader heritage sector or in archives. Experience of leading a team. Knowledge of archival practice, environmental humanities, global histories and/or medical humanities. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy. Benefits Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per calendar year (rising to 26 days after 2 year’s service, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum. Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk ; (opens in new window) Selection process details Reasonable adjustments If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact The National Archives via careersnationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. (opens in new window) Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in new window) relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals Further information on nationality requirements (opens in new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. (opens in new window) The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. (opens in new window) Contact point for applicants Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team Email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact The National Archives via email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/ (opens in new window)