Section for Specialist Repositories (SSR): vacancies - February 2026
The Section for Specialist Repositories (SSR) was originally established as the Specialist Repositories Group (SRG) in 1979 in order to provide a forum for non-local government archivists.
Its membership is now diverse, both geographically and in terms of the institutions for which members work. We particularly seek to articulate and represent the interests of those in small archive services, and our members working in business, historic houses, museums, schools etc. The section has an important role in the ARA, in bringing together the interests of many lone archivists or archivists working in specialised environments.
We would love to hear from ARA members from across the archives, records management, museum and conservation sector who would like to get involved in the SSR committee.
Taking on one of these positions could help your career by being able to add this role to your CV with experiences you might not be dealing with in your current position, and by being involved with the ‘bigger picture’ of archival issues and strategies.
If you are interested, we have the following vacancies.
Chair
We require a passionate individual who wants to help lead the SSR Section and the Committee, helping to motivate and support the Committee members and the planning of activities. This will include liaising with each officer, particularly the Secretary to organise the Section, and the wider ARA Office and Forums.
Time commitment of approximately one AGM and 2 or 3 other meetings and about 2-3 hours a month dealing with correspondence.
Secretary
We are looking for someone who is highly organised and able to coordinate the SSR Committee. This role includes arranging meetings for the Committee, preparing documentation, and monitoring the central SSR email account to respond to queries and support efficient communications for the group. It also involves liaising with the ARA Office for administrative purposes.
Time commitment of approximately one AGM and 2 or 3 other meetings and about 2-3 hours a month dealing with correspondence.
Treasurer
We are looking for someone to manage all aspects of the section’s budget and financial control in conjunction with the Chair, this will include.
An annual budget proposal to the ARA Honorary Treasurer.
Budget reports for the AGM, national and regional committee meetings.
Monitor expenditure, process invoices, orders and contracts and sign off legitimate officer expenses.
Maintain good communication with other officers, attend meetings and join in on national or regional events and activities.
Time commitment of approximately 2-3 hours per month. This does vary, is often much less but can occasionally be more.
Training Officer
This is an enjoyable position with support from the SSR committee. As part of this role, you will play a key part running popular training courses and looking at new ideas for training offers. The aim is to deliver one face to face and two online training events per year.
Time commitment of approximately one AGM, 1or 2 Training Officer Sub-Committee meetings and 2-3 other meetings through the year. We anticipate about 2-3 hours a month of your time to fulfil this role.
Communications Officer
This dynamic role involves monitoring and sharing relevant sector specific news and events related to the Section for Specialist Repositories. The Officer will work with all Committee members to share and promote the group’s activities, including through articles with ARA Today and ARC Magazine, and will be responsible for managing the social media accounts to promote the Section’s activities, share relevant sector specific news, and engaging with campaigns/events.
Diversity & Inclusion Officer
This person will support ARA and our own dedication to ensure we support inclusion and diversity within the Sector. They will help to ensure that our activities are reflective and support our programme so that we can identify any challenges that professionals are facing.
No previous experience is required other than an interest in helping the committee and having the time to get involved in the SSR group.
For further information and access to the full role descriptions, please contact ara@archives.org.uk