Archivist

• About the role
• Help Preserve and Share Hillingdon's Story

Are you passionate about archives, local history and making heritage accessible to diverse audiences?

We are seeking an enthusiastic Archivist to join Hillingdon Heritage, helping to preserve, develop and promote our unique archive collections while delivering an excellent service to residents, researchers and visitors.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across Hillingdon Museum and Archives, the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitor Centre and other heritage sites, supporting the preservation of historically significant records and helping bring Hillingdon's rich history to life through research, exhibitions and public engagement.

As Archivist, you will be responsible for the care, management and accessibility of the Council's archive collections, including digital records.

Working closely with colleagues, volunteers, community organisations and researchers, you will help ensure collections are preserved to professional standards while making them accessible and engaging for a wide range of audiences.

You will

• Manage, catalogue and document archive collections in line with professional standards.
• Ensure the safe preservation and storage of archive material, including digital collections.
• Coordinate the transfer of records from Council departments in accordance with retention policies.
• Support the development of collections through donations and acquisitions.
• Contribute to Archive and Museum Accreditation work.
• Support public access to archive collections and supervise archive visits.
• Act as a key point of contact for researchers and enquiries.
• Deliver talks, presentations and guided tours to visitors, schools and community groups.
• Contribute to exhibitions, interpretation materials, learning resources and digital content.
• Support the development of social media and public engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Copyright legislation.
• Build relationships with heritage organisations, community groups and professional networks.
• Undertake research into local and military history to support interpretation and public understanding.

About You

We're looking for a motivated and knowledgeable professional who can combine archival expertise with a passion for public engagement.

You will have

• A qualification in Archive Administration, Archives and Records Management, Information Studies or a related discipline.
• Experience cataloguing, managing and caring for archive collections.
• Knowledge of archive management principles and professional standards.
• Understanding of Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Copyright legislation.
• Excellent research, organisational and communication skills.
• Experience supporting researchers and members of the public.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• A commitment to providing excellent customer service.

It would also be advantageous if you have

• Knowledge of local history, military history or museum collections.
• Experience developing exhibitions, interpretation materials or educational resources.
• Experience delivering talks, presentations or learning activities.
• Experience using social media to engage audiences.
• Knowledge of Archive Accreditation and Museum Accreditation standards.
• Experience working with volunteers and community groups.

Apply Today

If you're excited by the opportunity to help preserve Hillingdon's heritage and make archives accessible to current and future generations, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and play a key role in safeguarding and sharing the stories, records and history that help define our borough.

• About You
• About us
• We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.