Access Archivist
Posted 1 week ago by Southbank Centre
£33,600 Per year
Undetermined
Hybrid
London, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Access Archivist will join the Creative Engagement team at the Southbank Centre on a part-time fixed-term contract until May 2027. This role involves managing the archive's access services, conducting archival research, and supporting various celebratory projects. The position requires a strategic approach to enhance the visibility of the archive while ensuring compliance with copyright and data protection regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the operation and development of the enquiry service, acting as the senior point of escalation for complex enquiries (in-person and remote).
- Build and maintain relationships with artistic, community and academic partners to improve the visibility of the archive service in line with wider Creative Engagement aims.
- Conduct in-depth archival research to assist users in locating specific documents or information in support of their query.
- Provide expert guidance on the use of archival material within the research process, focusing on copyright, data protection and licensing for Southbank staff and the public.
- Provide support internally in vocalising heritage amongst varied 75th anniversary programs through co-curation, archive asset delivery and other input into project development.
Key Skills:
- An accredited qualification in Archives and Records management, or significant equivalent experience in a heritage environment.
- A deep understanding of the requirements of archival work, including cataloguing standards (ISAD(G)), repackaging, digitising, and arranging archive material.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Copyright legislation and Data Protection (GDPR) as they apply to public access and licensing.
- Demonstrable research skills, familiarity with archival research methodology and experience in handling historical documents and archival materials.
- Demonstrable interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), with the ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people, both internally and externally at all levels.
Salary (Rate): £33,600 yearly
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
Department: Creative Engagement
Location: Southbank, London
Compensation: £33,600 / year
Description
We are currently looking for an Access Archivist to join our Creative Engagement team on a part time fixed term contract until May 2027. The Southbank Centre Archive comprises more than 3000 boxes / 1.5 kilometres of documents, photos, objects, recordings and born-digital material which together tell the story of the Southbank Centre since its 1951 Festival of Britain inception. The collection continues to grow, increasingly in digital form. The Access Archivist will lead the strategic development and delivery of our celebrated research service, combining participatory methodology throughout their work. Acting as the primary authority for collection access, you will manage all public, press-activation and internal access, and support on various anniversary celebratory projects. Please download the attached Job Description for a full overview of this role's responsibilities. If you are viewing on a job board, please paste the following URL into your browser to find the original advert: careers.southbankcentre.co.uk
The annual salary stated is based on the Full-Time Equivalent (40 hours per week). If the job is part-time, the weekly hours will be stated within the advert. The deadline for applications is 23:59 on the closing date for the job posting. Please note, applications sent via Email or 3rd party agencies will not be considered . Need reasonable adjustments? Please contact us so we can help make the application process accessible to you. Be sure to include the job you are applying for and your full name. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. By attracting people with diverse attitudes, opinions and beliefs we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. The Southbank Centre is a warm and welcoming place to work, with great aspirations and ambitions to create great and accessible work for all. We pride ourselves in building a supportive environment to enable the development of our colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the operation and development of the enquiry service, acting as the senior point of escalation for complex enquiries (in-person and remote)
- Build and maintain relationships with artistic, community and academic partners to improve the visibility of the archive service in line with wider Creative Engagement aims
- Conduct in-depth archival research to assist users in locating specific documents or information in support of their query
- Provide expert guidance on the use of archival material within the research process, in particular focusing on copyright, data protection and licensing for Southbank staff and the public
- Provide support internally in vocalising heritage amongst varied 75th anniversary programs, including Steel Scenes, Skate Space 50 and Refugee Week, amongst others, through co-curation, archive asset delivery and other input into project development
Skills & Experience
- An accredited qualification in Archives and Records management, or significant equivalent experience in a heritage environment
- A deep understanding of the requirements of archival work, including cataloguing standards (ISAD(G)), repackaging, digitising, and arranging archive material
- Comprehensive knowledge of Copyright legislation and Data Protection (GDPR) as they apply to public access and licensing
- Demonstrable research skills, familiarity with archival research methodology and experience in handling historical documents and archival materials
- Demonstrable interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), with the ability to build and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people, both internally and externally at all levels
Benefits
As well as working at one of London's most popular and exciting sites the successful candidate will also benefit from the following:
- A min 5% pension contribution (going up to 9% depending on employee contribution), from day 1 of employment
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working model (3 days office working, 2 days from home)
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced family leave benefits
- Up to 30% discounts at onsite retail, food and beverage vendors
- Staff ticket offers for SC events
- Free entry to Hayward Gallery
- Free/discounted entry with other reciprocal organisations
- Free staff yoga