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: £32,721 per annum Contract type: Permanent Band: E / Higher Executive Officer Closing date: Monday 17th February 2025 at midnight About us: This is an exciting opportunity to join the Collection Care Department at the National Archives (TNA) in Kew and work within a dedicated team of conservators preparing collections for digitisation. At The National Archives we are always seeking new ways to broaden, enable and enhance access to the 11 million records we hold in our collections. One such way that we achieve this is through the mass digitisation of our collections in conjunction with commercial partners in genealogy and academic publishing. About the role: Digitisation projects are a key part of The National Archives’ business, access and preservation strategy. They involve multiple departments working interdependently to bring a project together and allow us to build valuable partnerships with external clients and companies. Working as a Project Conservator within the Collection Care Department, you will join a dedicated team of conservators responsible for assessing and preparing records for digitisation. The role has a direct impact on the ability of the organisation to deliver large scale digitisation projects, many of which have strong commercial benefits. Maintaining the balance between preservation needs of the collection and commercial aspects of the project is crucial. You will play a vital part in facilitating the smooth running of these projects, ensuring timely delivery, while upholding the professional reputation of TNA. About you: You will have an extensive knowledge of paper conservation practice, with a specialism in assessing and preparing records for digitisation, bringing excellent project management skills as well as an informed approach to the delivery of conservation treatments in line with current conservation standards for the digitisation of archival documents. You will have a keen eye for detail and have an ability to work both individually and as part of a team. You will have strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise work while under pressure in order to meet strict deadlines and targets. With the need for cross-departmental working, you will also have strong verbal and written communication skills. 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. This role requires on site presence and is not suitable for home working. How to apply: To submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page. You will be asked to provide details of your work experience and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria 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. We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Job Description Job Purpose The Project Conservator is part of a team of conservation professionals responsible for the preservation of The National Archives’ physical collection through interventive and preventive means. The aim of this role is to prolong the life of the collection while also maximising access to the archival records and enhancing the experience of our users. This is achieved through a combination of special projects and on-going programmes, taking the lead as required and working together with colleagues across the organisation as well as external visitors and stakeholders. You will have an extensive knowledge of paper conservation practice, with a specialism in assessing and preparing records for digitisation, bringing excellent project management skills as well as an informed approach to the delivery of conservation treatments in line with current conservation standards for the digitisation of archival documents. You will take a full role in the on-going development of the digitisation conservation team within The National Archives by actively engaging in data collecting through in-depth collection surveys, conservation treatments for the digitisation process, knowledge sharing, teaching and mentoring others, planning, organising and helping to deliver mass digitisation projects whilst actively promoting the work of the department across The National Archives and to a wider professional community. Role and Responsibilities Take ownership of projects as set out in the departmental annual business plan, being responsible for the development, planning and delivery of projects to agreed targets and professional standards Contribute to on-going Collection Care/ Commercial Delivery programmes, including support for public services and internal projects at The National Archives Independently solve complex problems regarding the care of the collection, applying a high degree of expertise, judgment, innovation and adaptability and, where applicable, negotiate the resulting decisions with peers and customers within and beyond The National Archives Proactively collect, interpret and report the facts and evidence to support decision-making and to assess impact, for example, through collection surveys, condition assessment and technical examination Supervision of external contractors to deliver the digitisation agenda in a commercial environment. You will ensure that high standards of document handling and sensitivity to the original material are maintained, both in terms of physical handling and the equipment and methods used. Work together with colleagues within The National Archives, building and maintaining relationships to encourage best preservation practice at all levels across the organisation Assess and manage risks to The National Archives’ collections in accordance with the profession’s code of ethics Contribute significantly to the overall improvement of knowledge and skills within the department by developing and implementing new thinking and approaches to caring for archival collections Keep abreast of conservation trends to inform projects and treatments, taking a proactive part in personal and professional development Supervise and support new staff, student placements and volunteers and formally manage staff, if required Provide professional advice and guidance on the care and conservation of archival collections Proactively contribute to Collection Care’s Public and Academic Engagement agenda Working Conditions Normal office environment Display Screen Equipment user Moving items up to 10kg in weight May come into contact with distressing material Person Specification Essential criteria: A graduate from a recognised conservation or heritage science programme or appropriate work experience with a high standard of conservation knowledge, skill and practice beyond initial training with a demonstrable expertise in the conservation of paper and archive materials Extensive knowledge of current conservation practice and ethical standards and the ability to develop creative and innovative approaches to the care and conservation of large archival collections Demonstrable skills in solving complex problems and making decisions with a high degree of professional judgement Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and to build and lead a team able to deliver outcomes to an agreed standard and timetable Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative, with strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload while under pressure in order to meet strict deadlines and targets Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; the ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation and with a wide range of external customers Proficiency with IT systems including MS office products and collections management systems Physically strong and capable enough to lift heavy boxes and work at height Desirable criteria: PACR (Professional Accreditation of Conservators - Restorers) accredited membership of Icon or a willingness to pursue such accreditation Excellent IT and numeracy skills, and experience of working with large data sets Excellent presentation skills Published professional papers Other Requirements Must be prepared to travel to other Government departments as required This role requires on site presence and is not suitable for home working. 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 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, 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) 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 the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service 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)