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

Welcome to the CALG Group! We exist to promote the preservation and use of archives which are (or, in the opinion of the Group, should be) in the care of local authorities with archive powers in England and Wales. Our objectives are to influence the policies and practices of European, national and local governments, and others, in support of the above aim; to promote the exchange of ideas and information among local authority archive services and with others; and to promote activities in support of the above aim.

The section for Film, Sound and Photography was established to exchange views and information on film, sound and photographic archives and to encourage good practice among those concerned with their acquisition, preservation and arrangement.

The aim of the group is to drive improvements in volunteering practice within the archive sector; to increase the number and range of volunteering opportunities and ensure the contribution and impact of volunteering is evaluated and celebrated. The sub-committee is co-ordinating various activities as part of the Volunteering in Archives Action Plan. These include - the ARA Volunteering Award http://www.archives.org.uk/campaigns/volunteering-awards.html - good practice in involving volunteers http://www.archives.org.uk/latest-news/volunteering-in-collections-care-new-best-practice-guide.html The sub-committee also facilitates a Volunteer Co-ordinators Network to encourage sharing of knowledge and good practice. If you are involving in managing or co-ordinating volunteers in an archive, and you would like to join his closed e-list, then please contact HPrice@cardiff.gov.uk

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

A Group for the committee, instructors and trainees involved with The ARA Training Scheme for Archive Conservators. The course aims to equip candidates with the wide variety of skills now required of archive conservators. The scheme was formed in the early 1970's in recognition of the growing demands being placed on conservators and to assist the development from a craft based skill to the multidisciplinary occupation that is conservation today. The scheme has responded to the demands of the profession and undergone several reviews. It is currently undergoing its most thorough review responding to current thinking in training and assessment, the introduction of accreditation for conservators and demands from within the profession for yet higher standards. The Scheme is recognised nationally by County councils and Unison, and by the ARA as the conservation qualification leading onto the pre-registration training scheme. A major element of the scheme is practical training. Candidates undertake 26 weeks of intensive one to one instruction. The instruction is broken into sessions of varying length covering each area of practical work a candidate is likely to come across within an archive office. The instruction takes place at assessed instructing offices around the country under the guidance of qualified instructors. Each instructor has been assessed in the subject area or areas they are qualified to teach and is considered an expert in that field. Each practical session is followed up by a report which provides an element of continuous assessment for the scheme, alongside further practical work within the candidates office and the completion of notes relating to the training. Any practical work that a conservator undertakes must be both ethically and theoretically sound. These considerations are enforced not just by the practical training but also through private study, based on a set book list; scientific training at a week long chemistry course and through a Lecture Series that is provided specifically for candidates, although open and of interest to many others. Candidates on the scheme receive support from the Registrar and through Trainees Meetings which are held twice a year. These meetings have increasingly formed part of the theoretical background to the scheme, in addition to providing a forum for candidates to meet and discuss progress. The scheme culminates in a written examination and an oral assessment. As part of the exam candidates have to produce a conservation report on a selection of documents presented at the exam, this includes a detailed description, a treatment proposal and storage recommendations, they are also expected to produce preservation recommendations. At the oral assessment candidates present a portfolio of their work covering the full range of archive materials, they are expected to discuss the portfolio explaining the work undertaken, what alternatives there may have been and why the particular method used was chosen. Also discussed is the role of conservation within an office and other issues affecting conservation. The scheme has introduced modular training, so it is possible to attend placements in specific subjects, completing all or part of the Training Scheme. The modules can also be used by professionals requiring updated techniques in a certain field or to refresh themselves in a certain specialized area. The Training Scheme is open to ARA members employed in Conservation. Candidates are expected to take two to three years to complete the scheme. Registration costs £1,600 which includes access to 24 weeks of 1:1 tuition and all examination costs. The week long Lecture Series and Chemistry Course week are in addition. For further details contact Deborah Phillips, Registrar, by e-mail deborah.phillips@devon.gov.uk.

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 forum for members interested in the use of archives in education and lifelong learning.

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.

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.

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

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.

Security & Access: a group for sharing and discussing security and access concerns and experience.

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.

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

A group for members of the Training Group

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!

Section for Archives and Technology

This region covers the following areas: Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Isle of Man