This group is designed to offer a private, professional space to discuss proposed developments in CPD. This is a closed community whose content is accessible only to site members. The CPD working group want to encourage a space where people can talk freely and express their views without reservations. We need to get a range of views from across the profession on what would or would not work for ARA's future CPD. We're developing this group as one way of engaging with ARA members. We are working on the prnciple that what's said in the group, stays in the group - though an overview of the opinions expressed by members will be reviewed by the CPD working group and will have an effect on developing the working group's proposals for CPD.

This is the place for you to keep the Association and fellow Members informed about cuts and service reductions or reorganisations in your area. Please let us know anything that is in the public domain (with links to online documentation if possible) or else in the pipeline. The information gathered will enable the Association to feed in examples and case studies into the ongoing advocacy work undertaken on behalf of Members by Officers and staff. Members can also share experiences of what has worked and what hasn't in terms of lobbying and relationship building with decision-makers and opinion-formers locally.

A place to discuss and feedback on ARC, the ARA's monthly publication - share your thoughts and comments on articles in the latest edition, or ask questions of or make suggestions to the editorial board!

General discussion topics and comments

The Archives and Records Association is committed to supporting the continuing professional development (CPD) of its members. The Professional Development Committee has convened a working group to scope, shape and consult members on a CPD framework. The first meeting of the group is at the end of March 2011. We want to know what members think about CPD and how a framework could best support the professional journey.

This is a group for all those involved in the record-keeping who are considering becoming qualified

This is where brief notices and updates about the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Archives and History will be posted, along with discussions about its work and advance notices of meetings open to the public.

Area for discussions relating to the Diversity Working Group and other diversity-related issues. See also ARA's diversity webpage: http://www.archives.org.uk/ara-in-action/diversity.html

A group for treasurers and budget holders of working groups, committees, regions, nations and sections.

From time to time ARA are asked to provide responses to consultation exercises from Government and other bodies. This Group will include details of current consultation processes and will provide Members with the opportunity to provide information, ideas and comments for consideration by ARA Officers when compiling the official ARA response to the consultation.

This is a group designed to bring together people who have received Archive Pace Setter status for projects within their organisation - and people who might like to become Pace Setters! More info about the programme is available at http://www.archives.org.uk/campaigns/archive-pace-setter-scheme.html

A place for updates on the work of ARA's legislation and standards working group. We monitor proposals for changes to legislation and regulations for european, national and local government and business, assess any likely impact on archives and records management and prepare the association's views and responses. Check here to find out which consultations we have responded to, which we are preparing a response to, and to give us your views