National Records of Scotland (NRS) is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government. The purpose of NRS is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations. Our work underpins the fabric of Scottish society: telling the story of our nation.
Records and Archives Engagement branch is the outward focussed arm of Information and Record Services. Created in 2018, this branch centres on the development of archive and recordkeeping practice and support, primarily, across Scotland but also internationally. Our focus to date has been on the creation and development of the infrastructure and vision for the this area of NRS activity, and we are now looking for someone to deliver on these plans and move these ambitions forward.
The successful person will lead teams which liaise with record holders who do not deposit their archives with NRS and with the wider archive and records management sectors. They will be responsible for leading and developing NRS’s strategy, policy and engagement on records management and archival issues, identifying and progressing opportunities to drive up standards and develop our own expertise and leadership.
Responsibilities
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Lead liaison with the records management and archive sector at Scottish, UK and international levels, and liaison with record holders who do not deposit their archives with NRS, on all matters concerning records and archive management, including the provision of advice, sharing good practice, and policy issues.
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Lead on facilitating the development and review of IRS’ archive policies and practices, including working closely with colleague across NRS contributing to the strategic development of NRS’ archive functions.
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Direct the implementation of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 and identify and exploit the potential of the Act to help develop NRS’ leadership role within the sector, increasing standards and developing a centre of expertise.
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Direct the activities of the Registrar of the National Register of Archives for Scotland and work with the Registrar to develop the potential of its advisory and co-ordinating roles for NRS and the wider archive sector
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Lead on NRS’ involvement with the UK Archive Service Accreditation Scheme Representing NRS on the UK Archive Accreditation Committee, leading and co-ordinating NRS submissions at 3 yearly review and 6 yearly renewal points to ensure NRS retains accreditation status. This also includes leading NRS involvement in assessing applications from other Scottish archives and the development of the scheme in Scotland.
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Foster and grow collaborative relationships with national and international archive and record keeping bodies to extend the reach and impact of NRS, and to support the continued development of the archive sector in Scotland.
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Work with the Digital Records Unit to provide advice and guidance around digital records to record holders who do not deposit their archives with NRS.
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Manage Records and Archives Engagement activities and budget with direct line management of 4 B3s and around 15 staff in total, ensuring best use of resources and excellent communication between areas, with other parts of NRS and externally.