ARA Scotland are looking for a co-chair
Applications to be received by 17.00pm on 28th February 2026
What are we looking for?
ARA Scotland is looking to recruit a co-chair to join its committee. You will be working alongside another co-chair, who has been in the post for over a year.
At ARA Scotland we are looking to match the right person to the right volunteering opportunity. We want to hear about you, your passions, and what you believe you can bring to the ARA Scotland committee. We are specifically interested in hearing from people with different forms of experience, or who may be interested in joining ARA Scotland as a development opportunity.
ARA Scotland is a regional section of the Archives and Records Association for the UK and Ireland. We are committed to supporting and developing our volunteers. ARA Scotland has budget to reimburse the travel and subsistence of our volunteers. We would also support post-share applications.
What kind of skills and requirements are needed?
Passion for archives and/or records management, self-motivator
Good events delivery skills, either in-person or virtual
Good verbal communication skills
An ability to manage your own work and prioritise tasks with different deadlines
Good teamworking skills
We are primarily looking for individuals who work, study, or reside in Scotland. There will be a reasonable expectation for committee members to travel within Scotland to support our promotional and development events.
Individuals are expected to have a basic knowledge of the archives and recordkeeping sectors in Scotland.
Committee members must be active members of the Archives and Records Association.
What are the benefits of being Chair?
Develop your skills in general management, leadership and budget control.
Gain extra credits towards Registration or your continued professional development.
Have your say and influence the work of ARA Scotland.
Raise your profile and get involved at a more strategic level.
What would a Chair be asked to do?
To chair and participate in committee meetings.
Lead, guide and manage these meeting so members stay on track.
Ensure good communication between all members.
Ensure the national or regional budget stays on course.
Keep abreast of ARA Board, Industry and Professional issues and keep members informed.
Represent the national or regional interests both internally within the ARA to drive the profile of its work and externally at a local, regional or national level to ensure the right response to initiatives which impact the ARA by canvassing and collating the opinions of the members.
Manage all associated correspondence.
Who would I be working with?
ARA Scotland has another co-chair currently in post, and you would be working with this co-chair to deliver joint objectives.
The rest of the national or regional committee at meetings, including your treasurer to ensure the budget is well monitored and spent, and training officers to help with event and training opportunities
The ARA UK office, who provide support tand guidance for the ARA Scotland nation.
External groups (such as ASLAWG) and planning committees to represent the needs of Archivists, Records Managers, and Conservators on a local or national scale.
How much time would be involved?
One AGM and 2 or 3 other meetings through the year.
About 2-3 hours a month dealing with correspondence
Holidays and time away are encouraged – the ARA Scotland committee will be able to help you manage any time away
Additional time may be required to attend ARA Scotland and ARA UK meetings, or to support training or promotional events
Minimum commitment of 1 year with opportunity for longer service (2-3 years recommended)
Whether you are newly-qualified or a seasoned professional, if this sounds interesting, please send a short (c.250 words) statement of interest outlining why you would like to join the ARA Scotland Committee and what you would bring to the position. Send this statement to us at arascotland@archives.org.uk.