The Society

The Archives & Records Association is the principal professional body for archivists, archive conservators and records managers in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  The ARA came into existence on 1 June 2010 and is the result of a merger of the National Council on Archives and the Association of Chief Archivists in Local Government with the Society of Archivists.

The Society of Archivists was founded in 1947 as the Society of Local Archivists, and renamed seven years later because its membership had already expanded to include archivists working outside local record offices.

 

The principal aims of the ARA 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 Association advises, submits evidence and makes comment on matters of professional concern to people or organisations whose activities affect archives and records.

 

The Archives & Records Association 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 ARA is committed to encouraging equal access to education and training, employment and advancement within the profession.