Competency frameworks

ARA has worked with employers, record keepers and stakeholders to create three competency frameworks that help Archivists, Archive Conservators, Records Managers, and others in similar roles across the UK and Ireland to develop their professional skills.

The frameworks set national standards of competence for record keeping, describing the knowledge and skills needed to carry out roles effectively. They are a useful tool for professional development and for improving everyday practice. The frameworks reflect the range of roles and career paths in the sector, helping record keepers assess their skills across different roles, sectors, and locations. They are also interconnected, recognising that record keepers may build competencies from more than one framework as their careers progress.

Archivist competency framework

Records Manager competency framework

Archive Conservator competency framework (ready January 2026)

New Professional Titles

In January 2026 we will be launching our new professional titles;

• Registered Archivist,

• Registered Records Manager

and

• Registered Archive Conservator.

Please check our website for updates or contact chris.sheridan@archives.org.uk