The Society

The Society of Archivists is the principal professional body for archivists, archive conservators and records managers in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  It was founded in 1947 as the Society of Local Archivists, and renamed the Society of Archivists seven years later because its membership had already expanded to include archivists working outside local record offices.  Its total membership now stands at over 1800 individuals and organisations, based across the United Kingdom and Ireland and elsewhere in the world.  

 

The principal aims of the Society are: to promote the care and preservation of archives and the better administration of archive repositories; to advance the training of its members; and to encourage relevant research and publication.  It achieves these aims through the work of its Council and its various Committees, Groups and Regions, and through its role as the voice of the three professions.  The Society advises, submits evidence and makes comment on matters of professional concern to people or organisations whose activities affect archives and records.

 

The Society of Archivists is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all within the world of archives, records management and archive conservation, regardless of race, colour, religious beliefs or practices, ethnic or national origin, disabilities, gender, sexuality, marital status and age. In particular, the Society is committed to encouraging equal access to education and training, employment and advancement within the profession.