Head of Archive

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 326465**Salary**:

- £57,686- Further information can be found in the attached Document “Additional Pay Information”.- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**:

- Grade 7**Contract type**:

- Permanent**Business area**:

- UKHO - Corporate Services and Finance**Type of role**:

- Library
- Other**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 1Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- TauntonAbout the job

**Job summary**:
This post is a unique opportunity to work in the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) Archive. The post holder will lead an existing and established Archive team. The role will manage strategic direction in the team, its activities and relationships with internal stakeholders and external parties.

This role carries the responsibility of delivering and managing a legislatively compliant Archive in all aspects of accountability, decision-making, guidance, and advice. The role is accountable to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) Chief Executive, the MOD Department of Records Officer and The National Archive (TNA) and to the Department of Culture, Museums and Sport (DCMS). The post holder will be expected to liaise with chief executive level directors including at the UKHO, central government departments, museums and archives, plus overseas counterparts.

The role will be responsible for ensuring that the UKHO meets its Public Task obligations, as governed by the Public Records Acts 1958 & 1967. This is a significant responsibility, and the post holder must hold archival/cultural heritage qualification or have at least 20 years’ experience in relevant archival/museum establishments. In addition, they must have experience of holding a senior management role within an archival/museum environment including leading, influencing, and decision-making responsibility. The post holder is accountable for the professionalism of the Archive. The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of strategy, planning and operation of the Archive facility and staff.

**Hybrid Working Expectations**

The Archive is based at the UKHO premises in Taunton and the position will require a substantial number of days per week in the office, roughly 3-4 days per week and potentially 5 days a week. The post holder may also be required to travel to other establishments.

[Please note our Policy on informal hybrid working (arrangements available as agreed with the line manager) does not extend to working overseas].

**Job description**:

- Ensuring that the Archive meets its legal obligations under a Place of Deposit legislation and Public Task obligations and any other statutory areas of compliance.
- Writing and owning Archive strategy for collection, team, and audience development programme. Ensuring that the collection remains viable, visible and supports the UKHO’s corporate plan.
- Managing, and improving the Archive collection of approximately 4 million records estimated at £100m. The collection includes digital and paper records, artefacts, products, and corporate records.
- Building knowledge of the record collection within the UKHO, leading a proactive acquisition programme to enhance the collection and ensure it remains relevant.
- Ensuring all intellectual property is understood and protected for future UKHO benefit.
- Owning Archive policy and procedure, in-line with TNA and Ministry of Defence Departmental Records Officer (DRO) guidance.
- Increasing accessibility of the Archive collection and records in support of the UKHO’s business needs. This includes external exhibitions, writing and leading on the negotiation of loan agreements and ensuring the suitable protection of the UKHO collection outside the Archive.
- Supporting the UKHO Sales Team and Data Acquisition Team with their international relations. This assists the UKHO in its commercial exploits, through creating historical charting connections with its foreign hydrographic offices and overseas government establishments.
- Effectively and efficiently managing the Archive team, operationally and strategic direction.

**Person specification**:
Please note that we will only score against the sift and interview criteria and not the essential and desirable information below.
- Post graduate qualification in an archive or cultural heritage discipline or significant service in leading cultural institutions.
- At least ten years’ experience of line management and coaching at a senior level in a cultural institution.
- Demonstrable experience of collections management and access, at a senior level, within a museum, archive, or cultural environment.
- Excellent organisational, administrative, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritise workload to meet changing demands and deadlines.
- Experience of research and publication using primary research and sources.
- Experience of the us