Transcription and Digitisation Archive Assistant

Barnardo's Making Connections service holds the archive of records for every child who has been in Barnardo's care since the organisation began. The service is also responsible for managing Barnardo's corporate archive collection. Volunteers will be helping contribute to our archive by transcribing records and digitising photographs and documents in our archive including; all our personal index cards, photographs, posters and other multi-media information. This will improve our accessibility; the speed that records can be accessed, as well as ensuring that the archive remains a vital tool for preserving the history of the children and young people Barnardo’s has supported. We are looking for organised people, with good computer literacy, clear handwriting, good understanding of English Language and strong attention to detail skills. Volunteer roles will involve working with our Archive Manager and wider Making Connections team. We are looking for volunteers that are friendly, approachable, and able to communicate with professionals from a range of backgrounds. This vital role helps improve accessibility to our records; the speed that records can be accessed, as well as ensuring that the archive remains a tool for preserving the history of the children and young people Barnardo’s has supported. The role would suit anyone with an interest in history, archiving, cataloguing or digitisation, but does not require any specific previous experience. The role is based in our quiet, friendly office in Plaistow, accessible by local bus routes, a 10min walk from Plaistow underground station and has free private parking. Due to the initial training required it would be beneficial to our team for volunteers to be able to attend regularly e.g. 1 day per week / fortnight / month for a period of at least 3 months (there is no maximum time limit, many of our volunteers stay with us for years). Flexible volunteering hours are welcomed.
Transcription and Digitisation Assistants support our archive team to transcribe and digitise children and young people's historical records.- Tasks: Clearly transcribing personal index cards to create digital records.

Creating, naming and organising digital files.

Making accurate digital copies of historical data - scanning text and photographic information.

Ensuring records and media are filed in accordance to archive regulations.

Providing archive assistance, such as organising personal index cards.

Recording volunteer hours and submitting expenses in a timely manner.

Taking part in volunteer supervision and feedback sessions

Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.

Participating fully in training and supervision.

Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours.- Skills: Good organisational skills.

Strong attention to detail.

Interest in history, archiving or cataloguing - this could include, family, local or social history.

Approachable and welcoming.

Computer literacy; including working with scanners and printers.

Comfortable working with physical media, e.g. Books, Photography and Film records.

Familiar with and having a good understanding of information systems, e.g. Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and other software packages

Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.- Benefits: Full induction and training.

Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.

Regular supervision and support.

Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.

Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.

Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.