Summary
About us:
Archives matter. Without records, we could not hold government to account, carry out pioneering research or learn from the past. Whether they are websites, the evidence heard by inquiries or the algorithms which support official decision-making, preserving our digital public records is vital.
The National Archives is the archive of UK Government and the courts and one of the world’s leading digital archives. We preserve and provide access to the UK’s public records. Our strategy sets out our ambition to be an inclusive, entrepreneurial and disruptive archive.
We have operated as a digital archive for over 20 years. Our technical platform includes innovative new services running alongside systems that are approaching retirement. We are seeking a talented individual to build and strengthen our team and lead the creation of our next generation of digital preservation services.
Responsibilities
About the role:
In this role, your work will ensure that today’s digital public records survive for the benefit of future generations of citizens, researchers, policy makers and historians.
You will be accountable for our digital preservation service, developing our ability to accept and preserve growing volumes of digital records in increasingly complex formats. You will own and manage our portfolio of digital preservation tools (e.g. DROID, PRONOM, DiAGRAM), many of which are used by other archives and cultural institutions worldwide.
One of your first challenges in this role will be to replace our ageing digital preservation system and its supporting infrastructure to improve the performance and capacity of our core digital preservation service and maintain the long-term integrity and security of our digital archive.
About you:
You are a confident communicator with a deep understanding of digital preservation. You have a strong focus on delivery and are passionate about creating excellent digital products and services that meet user needs. Your enthusiasm will help you collaborate with, lead and inspire an expert team. You will enjoy challenging, research-led work which grows our capability as a digital archive and makes a positive contribution to the long term preservation of the UK’s digital public records.
Join us here in beautiful Kew, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Overground and Underground stations, and you can expect an excellent range of benefits. They include a pension, flexible hybrid working arrangements, discounts with local businesses (e.g. beauty salons and bars) and wellbeing resources (e.g. on-site therapists). We offer an on-site gym, restaurant, shop and staff bar (all subject to current Covid restrictions).
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. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site.
SC-level Security Clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance is mandatory for this role and requires that you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years. The length of required residency may depend on individual circumstances.
We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community and from people of diverse ages, experience and backgrounds, including people with disabilities. We are keen to explore the widest possible pool of talent for all our roles.