Upcoming events.
Section for Archives and Museums: Annual Review Meeting and Knowledge Sharing Session
Section for Archives and Museums: Annual Review Meeting and Knowledge Sharing Session
Speakers: Lowri Jenkins, Rachel Sayers, Cecilia Borgenstam, and Felicity Crowe
The Section for Archives and Museums is pleased to announce its Annual Review Meeting and Knowledge Sharing Session for 2026.
This online event will take place on Microsoft Teams. Joining details will be shared with registered attendees in advance.
The Annual Review Meeting will be held online via Teams at 2pm on Tuesday 25 August.
The formal part of the meeting will take place first and will include the presentation of the annual report and confirmation of officers for the following year.
We will then move on to the knowledge sharing element of the meeting, with speakers discussing a wide range of aspects of working with mixed collections.
Programme
2pm: Welcome and introduction
2.05pm: Annual Review Meeting, including the presentation of the annual report and confirmation of officers.
2.20pm: Presentation 1
Lowri Jenkins: From Vault to View: Uncovering the Archives of Monmouth Museum
2.35pm: Post-talk Q and A
2.40pm: Presentation 2
Rachel Sayers: ‘Castles to Country Houses; Working in National Trust for Scotland Museums, Country Houses, and Archives
2.55pm: Post-talk Q and A
3pm: Presentation 3
Cecilia Borgenstam: "The Feliks Topolski Archive: Creating a Sustainable Foundation for a Mixed Collection"
3.15pm: Post-talk Q and A
3.20pm: Presentation 4
Felicity Crowe: Between things and records at the Ashmolean
3.35pm: Post-talk Q and A
3.40pm: Opportunity for further questions to the panel
3.50pm: Closing remarks
Rachel Sayers is a Curatorial Archivist working at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Rachel has a background in country houses, museums, and other heritage-based sties working for The National Trust for Scotland, The National Trust, Marks & Spencer Company Archive, and the Imperial War Museums. Rache’s specialist interest is early to mid-twentieth Century Irish dress history as well as the history of Irish women in this period particularly during World War Two.
Lowri Jenkins lives in Cardiff and an archivist with 26 years of experience working across the heritage sector in Wales. Worked as an archivist for National Museum Wales for 24 years caring for the social and cultural history archives that supported the History Departments object collections. The last few years worked on several heritage lottery projects using digital heritage and currently working with Monmouthshire Museums to rationalise and interpret their archive collections.
Felicity Crowe gained her postgraduate diploma in archives and records management at UCL in 2021. Since then, she worked for the British School at Athens, British Institute of Libyan and Northern African Studies and The Griffith Institute. She is now the Archivist and Records Manager of the Ashmolean.
Cecilia Borgenstam is an archivist and collections manager with extensive experience overseeing creative and studio archives in both the UK and the United States. She previously spent several years in the US managing the studio of political landscape photographer Richard Misrach, where she oversaw the assessment of his professional and personal archive alongside the daily care of his photography collection. Cecilia brings structural cohesion to complex, hybrid archives. Her work focuses on the creative industries, with a strong understanding of how to manage and arrange collections so they remain functional and accessible.
She is currently the Project Archivist at Topolski Studio, a hub for workshops, art residencies, and lectures located in the arches beneath Hungerford Bridge on London’s South Bank. Here, she is leading the cataloguing of 6,000 drawings and business records by the prominent war artist and reportage draughtsman Feliks Topolski (1907–1989), alongside his epic painted mural Memoir of the Century and his celebrated broadsheet periodical, Topolski’s Chronicle.
ARA SAT Lunchtime Webinar: An introduction to digital preservation using DROID
ARA SAT Lunchtime Webinar: An introduction to digital preservation using DROID
Speaker: Steve Daly, The National Archives
Online - Friday 28th August 2026 - 1.00pm to 2.00pm
The Section for Archives and Technology presents a training webinar by Steve Daly, product manager of DROID at The National Archives (TNA).
DROID is a free, open-source software tool developed by TNA. It is used by archivists around the world to profile a wide range of file formats, assess their risk, and plan for the long-term accessibility of these files. In this session, Steve will provide a thorough overview of the application and its usage. Starting at an introductory level, this live demo will cover:
Basic and advanced uses of DROID
Lesser-known features
Using DROID to set up automated workflows
Combining DROID with CSV Validator
Managing the integrity of files in the absence of a digital preservation system
Speaker information:
Steve Daly is accountable for the storage and long-term preservation of all digital records held by The National Archives. He also owns and manages a portfolio of open-source Digital Preservation tools including DROID and PRONOM. Prior to joining The National Archives in 2022, Steve was Head of Technology for the BBC Archives.
SAT information:
The Section for Archives and Technology aims to provide a community of best practice and research around the intersection of archives, records and technology. Members are supported in keeping abreast of developments and working towards best practice in the curation of digitised and born digital materials, and their discovery and use. To find out more please contact sat@archives.org.uk. Follow us on Bluesky: @arasat.bsky.social
Booking costs: ARA members Free and non-members £10
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 26th August 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 26th August 2026 by 12.00pm
ARA Archive Conservation Training Scheme - Chemistry for Conservators, 2026.
ARA Archive Conservation Training Scheme - Chemistry for Conservators
Trainer: David Dorning
West Dean College - Tuesday 1st September to Friday 4th September 2026
Accommodation at West Dean College and meals are included.
The ARA’s Archive Conservation Training Scheme is running its intensive Chemistry for Conservators course at the West Dean College between Tuesday 1st to Friday 4th September 2026, inclusive.
Primarily for students on the Conservation Training Scheme, the course is suitable for all conservators who would like to improve their knowledge and understanding of the chemistry of materials and treatments, includes lectures and laboratory sessions, and is open to non-members of the ARA.
The lecturer for the week is David Dorning, a specialist in book and paper conservation, who lectures on his research subject of materials science at West Dean College, and other museums and institutions worldwide.
Subjects covered will include:
Chemistry and Materials
The Molecular view of Materials
Cleaning and Organic Solvents
Energy, Light and Environment
Polymers, Adhesives and Consolidants
Molarity, Acids and Bases
Paper and Acidity
Skin Materials and Tannins
Iron Gall Inks and Cellulose Degradation
Please note accommodation for 3 nights is included in the price (evenings of 1st, 2nd and 3rd September), the price also includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Extra accommodation may be available at the attendee’s cost.
If you have any further questions on the course and it’s content, please email conservationtraining@archives.org.uk
Course fee: - ARA members: £1100 and non-members: £1650
For booking please contact: membership@archives.org.uk
Budgeting for beginners
Budgeting for beginners
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Tuesday 8th September and Wednesday 9th September 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
This course is targeted at anyone who is new to budgeting. It is suitable for all levels of staff, volunteers and those working in community organisations. Whilst designed for those in the cultural sector it will be relevant for those working in any environment as it covers key ideas and processes used in financial reporting.
Previous delegates have said:
“Excellent training, well planned with real-life examples and anecdotes. Presenter very knowledgeable. Supportive atmosphere”
“The presentation and handouts were clear, comprehensive and detailed without being too over-complicated. Two half days was also the perfect length. The trainer was excellent in delivering and making light of what could be a duller subject area!”
Overview of course content
Understanding the purpose of a budget
When and how to create a simple budget
Individual elements and terminology within a budget
How to use a budget and variance analysis
An overview of other financial documents including profit and Loss, balance sheet, cash flow and reserves
Course learning outcomes
Understanding the nature and purpose of a budget
Developing basic skills to create a budget
Developing basic skills to use a budget
Understanding the nature and purpose of other types of key financial documents
Delivery
This one-day course will be delivered online via Zoom across two half days. It will also provide the opportunity for participants to undertake work in between the two sessions that will contribute to their learning.
The course will be very hands-on, requiring participants to undertake a lot of activities and sharing what they have done. Because of the nature of what will be discussed, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency framework;
Managing and using financial and other resources
Developing self and others
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience of working with numerous projects large and small as a consultant and in supporting her consultancy clients.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members. £150 for ARA Corporate members and £200 non-members
Please book your place here before Friday 4th September 2026 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
ALES Lunchtime Seminar: "Divergent Minds in the Archive - Neurodivergent Professionals and Accessibility"
ALES Lunchtime Seminar: "Divergent Minds in the Archive - Neurodivergent Professionals and Accessibility"
Speakers: Dr Ria Cheyne, Dr Ann-Marie Foster and Dr Philip Milnes-Smith
Online - Wednesday 9th September 2026 - 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Our speakers for this session are Dr Ria Cheyne and Dr Ann-Marie Foster. Their talk is entitled: “Divergent Minds in the Archive – Neurodivergent Professionals and Accessibility”.
What are the barriers our neurodivergent colleagues experience, and how can we make our workplace cultures more inclusive? For neurodivergent archive and collections professionals, workplaces are at once a site of joy and frustration. The effects of climate-controlled storage spaces, the potential overwhelm that comes from handling documents, and punitive standardised ways of communicating create exclusionary spaces. Fears around the impact of finding networking difficult, if not impossible, mean that people worry about career progression. For others, ‘masking’ at work to protect themselves in a people-focused industry means that archive professionals are in a constant state of exhaustion. Conversely, for some, their ‘special interest’ in history and strong sense of non-hierarchical justice forms a strong sense of professional practice which is inclusive, anti-ableist, and emphasises the importance of a welcoming archive for all.
This discussion is based on workshop data collected as part of the 2025 EDI Caucus-funded ‘Divergent Minds in the Archive’ project, which asked neurodivergent professionals about the barriers, good practice, and opportunities for change that they faced in their workplaces. A clear call from workshop participants was for a higher level of understanding about what neurodivergence is, and how it might create barriers and opportunities, shared with neurotypical managers and colleagues. This session goes some way to redressing this, by suggesting pathways to more equitable workspaces.
Dr Cheyne and Dr Foster will be joined in the Q&A by Dr Philip Milnes-Smith, Chair of the Archives and Records Association Allies, and who was on the Advisory Board for the ‘Divergent Minds’ project.
This event will be followed by the ALES Annual meeting from 2.10-2.30pmwhich will be an opportunity to engage with the ALES committee.
Booking costs: ARA members £15 and non-members £20
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Thursday 3rd September 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Thursday 3rd September 2026 by 5.00pm
Exceptions to Copyright: Understand when and how to use copyright-protected works without permission
Exceptions to Copyright: Understand when and how to use copyright-protected works without permission
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training:Online - Monday 14th September 2026 - 12.30 to 4pm
Do you know when you can legally use copyright-protected works without a licence?
This half-day intermediate course explores the exceptions to copyright law under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (as amended). These exceptions create opportunities to use protected works legally in specific contexts — but they require careful interpretation.
Through practical guidance and expert insights, you’ll explore key exceptions, understand the principles behind them, and learn how they apply to your work, both in the UK and internationally.
You’ll leave this course with a clear understanding of when and how copyright exceptions can be applied, and how to assess and manage risks when relying on exceptions for using protected works.
This course is ideal for:
Archivists, librarians, and museum professionals
Content creators and rights managers
Legal, compliance, and policy teams
Anyone looking to understand how copyright exceptions apply to their work
Course learning outcomes
Refresh your knowledge about key principles of copyright.
Interrogate the principles underpinning exceptions to copyright.
Discuss how exceptions operate internationally.
Analyse the difference between exceptions to copyright and licences.
Explore the meaning of Fair Dealing.
Interrogate the main exceptions outlined in the CDPA 1988 and understand how they apply.
Analyse risk management considerations when using exceptions.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Access to records
Managing operational risk
Legislation and regulation
Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal
Developing self and others
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please note that ARA is a Charity and does not charge VAT on delegate fees
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Thursday 10th September 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before 12pm on Thursday 10th September
Senior Information Risk Owner
Senior Information Risk Owner
Trainer: Rachel Mitchell, Leadership Through Data
Online - Wednesday 17 September 2026 - 9.30am to 16.30pm
ARA members will save up to 30% on this Leadership Through Data course
This one day SIRO training course for Senior Information Risk Owners covers all you need to know for the role and responsibilities of the SIRO. This course covers how to manage working relationships with your Information Asset Owners, Data Protection Officer and other Information Governance team members. How to develop and maintain an Information Risk Register. Guide you through threats, hazards, controls, and the use of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA).
We will also look at the importance of leadership, supporting and developing a compliance program, the accountability principle and records of processing activities.
For further information please visit Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) Training Course - Leadership Through Data
What you will learn from the course:
Overview of the SIRO role and responsibilities working with the Information asset owners.
To identify the key tasks in relation to the role.
To work through practical case scenarios, covering IAR and information asset risk assessments.
To identify key support and resources.
The day will cover the following topics:
Background to the role of the SIRO and their responsibilities
National Data Reviews, standards, and guides
Risks, Threats, Vulnerabilities, Controls and potential outcomes
Information Risk Management and Breach Management
Understanding Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
Information Asset Owners & Administrators
Information Asset Register
Data Flow Mapping
Supporting information including Pseudonymisation, Anonymisation and Encryption, Information Security Management Systems and building a culture of information asset management.
This course has been mapped against the following ARA Records Manager competencies.
RM5 Legislation and regulation
RM6 Managing operational risk
RM8 Performance and impact
RM14 Creating and managing tools for users
RM15 Providing specialist advice and support
RM18 Enabling long-term access to records
RM23 Supporting policy compliance
Booking and delegate fee:
Individual Members of ARA £377
Corporate Members of ARA £450
Non-members of ARA £538.80
ARA members will save up to 30% on this Leadership Through Data course
Book your place here by Monday 14th September by 5pm.
Please note that Archives and Records Association is managing the bookings process for this course and does not charge VAT. Joining instructions will be sent by Leadership Through Data to the delegate email address used at booking 24 hours before the training date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day. If you have not received the email please contact Leadership Through Data on 01206 807267.
The standard course fee charged by Leadership Through Data is £538.80 (£449 + VAT).
Information Governance
Information Governance
Trainer: Rachel Mitchell, Leadership Through Data
Online - Wednesday 7 October 2026 - 9.30am to 16.30pm
ARA members will save up to 30% on this Leadership Through Data course
This course is for anyone new to Information Governance and those who would benefit from a refresher of the framework required for good information governance to be performed in your company or organisation. The course provides a one-stop shop for an organisation to develop all the tools (Information Asset Register, Business Classification Schemes for example) and to identify the key roles, governance structures and accountability that can be assigned in the organisation. We will present practical scenario’s to consider and discuss in our Information Governance training.
For more information visit Information Governance Training Course | UK & IRE
What you will learn from the course:
Overall understanding of information governance
Understanding the information governance framework
Understanding the roles which support information governance
Basic understanding of information asset registers and data flow mapping
Obtain a basic understanding of information security
Good remote working practices
The importance of imbedding an information governance culture
The day will cover the following topics:
What is information governance, structure, legal framework and national picture.
Privacy notices
Personal and special category data
Principle of remote working
Social media
Parental responsibility
Information sharing
Data Breaches
The role of the DPO, SIRO and Caldicott Guardian
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA)
Information Asset Owners & Administrators roles and responsibilities
Information Asset Register
Data Flow mapping
Building an information management culture
This course has been mapped against the following ARA Records Manager competencies;
RM5 Legislation and regulation
RM6 Managing operational risk
RM8 Performance and impact
RM11 Professional ethics and standards
RM12 Processes, policies and procedures for users
RM13 Information systems, records and data
RM14 Creating and managing tools for users
RM15 Providing specialist advice and support
RM23 Supporting policy compliance
Booking and delegate fee:
Individual Members of ARA £377
Corporate Members of ARA £450
Non-members of ARA £538.80
ARA members will save up to 30% on this Leadership Through Data course
Book your place here by Friday 2nd October by 5pm.
Please note that Archives and Records Association is managing the bookings process for this course and does not charge VAT. Joining instructions will be sent by Leadership Through Data to the delegate email address used at booking 24 hours before the training date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day. If you have not received the email please contact Leadership Through Data on 01206 807267.
The standard course fee charged by Leadership Through Data is £538.80 (£449 + VAT).
M365 Information Architecture Course
M365 Information Architecture Course
Trainer: Rachel Mitchell, Leadership Through Data
Training will be delivered over four consecutive half days:
Online - Monday 19 October and Thursday 22 October 2026 - 1.00pm to 17.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers all four days.
This course is for Records Managers/Officers or any staff with information management responsibilities. It will take you through a process of developing Information Architecture from discovery and strategy, to embedding Information Architecture into your business. It considers how Information Architecture is used in an Information Management context. You will learn key principles of Information Architecture for the governance of information within Microsoft 365.
You will explore how Information Architecture is practically applied in Microsoft 365, considering factors such as hubs, sites, structures, columns, content types and term sets. You will get the opportunity to work through a scenario based on real life information architecture development projects.
The course is best suited for practitioners who have some working knowledge of Microsoft 365, particularly SharePoint and Teams. For those unfamiliar with Microsoft 365 we recommend you attend the Microsoft 365 SharePoint Fundamentals or Microsoft 365 SharePoint Super User training before joining this course.
Learning objectives
To get an understanding of the basic principles of information Architecture
To understand how information architecture is applied within a M365 environment
To gain hands on experience applying information architecture methods to your organisation’s M365 environment
To consider how information architecture may be used within your organisation
For more information visit Microsoft 365 Information Architecture Training Course | UK & IRE
Booking and delegate fee:
Individual Members of ARA - £852
Corporate Members of ARA - £1200
Non-members of ARA - £1674
*ARA members will save over 48% on this Leadership Through Data course
Please purchase only one ticket which covers all four days. Book your place here by Wednesday 14th October by 5pm.
Please note that Archives and Records Association is managing the bookings process for this course and does not charge VAT. Joining instructions will be sent by Leadership Through Data to the delegate email address used at booking 24 hours before the training date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day. If you have not received the email please contact Leadership Through Data on 01206 807267.
The standard course fee charged by Leadership Through Data is £1674 (£1395 + VAT).
Introduction to Advocacy
Introduction for Advocacy
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Wednesday 28 October and Thursday 29 October 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Advocacy in the workplace is an increasingly important subject. This course introduces attendees to core approaches for defining the purpose of advocacy work and planning how to implement it. The course will introduce you to the following areas:
Defining what is advocacy
Objectives: defining what you want to achieve
Building your advocacy strategy – stakeholders, messages
Planning your advocacy work
Dealing with people
Tips and tricks
This training course includes handouts and there will be numerous tools and case studies to consolidate your learning. You will be invited to identify an opportunity for advocacy within your own context and work on developing a message and approach during the workshop.
This course is suitable for people who are new to advocacy and wish to learn core concepts and tools for undertaking advocacy work. Whilst it is based around advocacy for archives it will be suitable for anyone in the cultural and heritage sectors.
Learning outcomes
Understanding what is advocacy
Developing the skills to define advocacy objectives
Developing the skills to undertake effective stakeholder analysis
Understanding the types of barriers to advocacy and how to assess their potential impact
Understanding how to build a message
Understanding the basics of planning an advocacy campaign
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency framework;
Marketing, advocacy and outreach
Advocacy
developing self and others
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan MSc FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience in the development of high-level strategy and advocacy for the archives sector into an accessible learning programme for those looking to develop their advocacy skills.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place here before Friday 4th September 2026 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Managing Orphan Works
Managing Orphan Works
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training:Online - Monday 12th October 2026 - 12.30 to 4pm
Develop strategies to manage and responsibly use orphan works.
How do you handle works where the rights holder cannot be traced?
This half-day intermediate course tackles the challenges of working with orphan works — in-copyright materials where the rights holders are unknown or untraceable. From photographs and letters to films and sound recordings, orphan works are a major concern for heritage organisations, impacting digitisation, publication, and access.
Through practical discussions and strategy planning, you’ll explore the extent of the issue, why orphan works exist, and how to manage them responsibly. Participants will be encouraged to develop next-step strategies tailored to their organisations.
You’ll leave this course with a practical understanding of how to identify, manage, and develop strategies for working with orphan works. You’ll be equipped to make informed decisions that balance legal obligations with access ambitions in your organisation.
This course is ideal for:
Archive, museum and library professionals
Rights managers and legal teams
Digital projects and collections managers
Anyone working with historical collections containing orphan works
Course learning outcomes
Recognise what constitutes an orphan work and why they exist.
Understand the scale of the issue across the cultural heritage sector
Identify approaches to manage and use orphan works responsibly.
Understand the legal and ethical considerations in digitising and publishing orphan works.
Develop next-step strategies for your organisation’s management of orphan works.
Embed best practice in orphan works management within your processes.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Legislation and regulation
Developing self and others
Collections development
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please note that ARA is a Charity and does not charge VAT on delegate fees
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Thursday 8th October 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before Thursday 8th October at 12pm
Data Protection Law for Archives, Museums and Library Collections
Data Protection Law for Archives, Museums and Library Collections
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training:Online - Monday 9th November 2026 - 12.30 to 4pm
Are you confident in managing personal data within your archive, museum, or library collection?
This half-day course provides a practical introduction to data protection law as it applies to the unique challenges of archives and museums. You’ll explore the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and learn how to manage personal data responsibly in a cultural heritage context.
Through real-world examples and practical guidance, you’ll gain the skills to handle personal and sensitive data compliantly, balancing legal obligations with the needs of preservation and access.
You’ll leave this course with a clear understanding of how data protection law applies to archives, museums, and library collections. You’ll be equipped to manage personal data confidently, ensuring compliance while maintaining access to historical records
This course is ideal for
Archivists, museum, and library professionals
Records managers and information governance staff
Data protection officers in cultural heritage organisations
Anyone handling personal data within collections
Course learning outcomes
Recognise the background of applicable laws (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018).
Define personal data within archived and collection contexts.
Understand the concept of compatible processing.
Identify the lawful basis for processing archival records.
Understand required safeguards for processing special category data.
Apply the storage limitation principle in an archival setting.
Recognise applicable exemptions and what they mean in practice
Understand data subject rights in relation to archives, including access and erasure.
Consider security issues specific to archives and museum environments.
This course offers expert-led, interactive sessions, course materials, slides, and resources and opportunities for Q&A throughout.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Access to records
Managing operational risk
Legislation and regulation
Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal
Developing self and others
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please note that ARA is a Charity and does not charge VAT on delegate fees
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Thursday 5th November 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before 12pm on Thursday 5th November 2026
Friday CPD webinar: Archive Service Accreditation: making it happen
Friday CPD webinar: Archive Service Accreditation: making it happen
Speaker: Melinda Haunton RMARA, Programme Manager (Accreditation) at The National Archives
Online - Friday 20 November 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
Description: Archive Service Accreditation has been the UK management standard for archives since 2013, developed by a partnership of professional and national archives bodies, and managed by a sector-owned governing Committee. Accreditation has recently been updated, so this is a great time to review whether an application is realistic for your archive service, to refresh yourself on how Accreditation works, or to start actively planning towards Accreditation.
Accreditation can seem like a challenge from the outside, but it is designed to work for archive services of many different types and sizes. Scalability is built into how applications are assessed. Smaller archives have successfully applied from the outset, including plenty with lone or fractional professional posts. But it would be great to have more applications from smaller services, and this will be a focus of the session, particularly how you can seek internal support for an Accreditation application.
This session will include a short familiarisation talk about the programme, and an open forum for your questions. It’s a chance to check in about anything you want to discuss, from how to deal with particular circumstances to the assessment process for applicants. We will focus on getting the most out of working towards an application, getting support within your organisation and keeping preparation realistic to your scale. Sharing questions and solutions will help all attendees in engaging with Accreditation.
About our presenter: Melinda Haunton manages the Accreditation programme, based at The National Archives (UK). She works in the Archives Sector Leadership department, focusing on supporting the wider archives sector. Melinda is a qualified archivist, a Registered Member of ARA, an ARA professional registration assessor, and teaches emerging professionals on the archives programme at the University of Dundee.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 18th November 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Records Management Deep Dive
Records Management Deep Dive
Trainer: Rachel Mitchell, Leadership Through Data
Online - Thursday 3 December 2026 - 9.30am to 16.30pm
ARA members will save up to 30% on this Leadership Through Data course
This advanced course will provide you with a Deep Dive into Records Management. It will teach you the tools to use and will support you in fulfilling the tasks within your day-to-day job. Learn about practical implementation to support your strategy and change management process.
This course is the next level up from Leadership Through Data’s Records Management Training Course. It is for Records Managers/Officers and anyone that works with, or is associated with, the management of records.
Delegates would include Records Managers/staff, Information Governance Officers or Managers and Privacy Officers.
For further information please visit Advanced Records Management Training UK | Deep Dive Course
This course will cover:
The information paradigm
What is records management?
Ephemeral vs Valuable
Information Management in Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Platforms
Managing Emails
ECM: More than just documents
Information Architecture
Assessing an ECM
Risk and Value Frameworks
Information Management Risk
Information Governance Frameworks
Improving Policy
Training, Communication and Brand
Benefits Realisation
New and Emerging Technology
Learning Objectives
Understanding information management in Enterprise Content Management Platforms
Managing your information according to risk and value
Implementing an information governance framework
Improving information management policy
Approaches for training, awareness and brand
Creating a benefits realisation plan for records management
Understanding emerging technologies
This course has been mapped against the majority of competencies in the ARA Records Manager competency framework.
Booking and delegate fee:
Individual Members of ARA £377
Corporate Members of ARA £450
Non-members of ARA £538.80
ARA members will save up to 30% on this Leadership Through Data course
Book your place here by Friday 30th November by 5pm.
Please note that Archives and Records Association is managing the bookings process for this course and does not charge VAT. Joining instructions will be sent by Leadership Through Data to the delegate email address used at booking 24 hours before the training date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day. If you have not received the email please contact Leadership Through Data on 01206 807267.
The standard course fee charged by Leadership Through Data is £538.80 (£449 + VAT).
First Time Manager
First Time Manager
Trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Wednesday 24th February and Thursday 25th February 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Moving into management for the first time? This energising course will give you the tools, mindset, and confidence to manage with clarity and purpose. Through hands-on activities, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively, delegate wisely, and build a thriving team culture—starting from day one. Whilst designed for those in the cultural and heritage sector the course will be relevant for those working in any environment as it covers essential skills to manage effectively.
The course will be very interactive, requiring participants to undertake activities during the sessions, some individually and some with others. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded.
Previous delegates said:
“A really useful course that provided a great selection of tools to apply practically. The variety of areas covered was great. The group reflection sessions were good and it was really helpful to hear of everyone's own situations”
“I am applying for the post of team leader and I believe what I learnt will help me during the interview process”
“I have already put in more regular one to ones with my staff and my manager. I will do more reading of the resources shared and will be using the ‘Team Canvas’ with my team. The course has given me the confidence to try things out.”
Overview of course content
Shifting from individual contributor to manager
Management skills and behaviours
Delegating and decision-making
Handling disagreements
Setting goals and managing performance
Course learning outcomes
Understanding core management skills and behaviours
Developing and practising core management skills and behaviours including feedback
Planning to transition confidently into line management roles
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A1/AC1/RM1 Aims and objectives
A3/AC4/RM3 Managing resources
A4/RM4 Working with people
AC8 Teamwork and collaboration
A8/RM8 Performance and impact
A10/AC7/RM10 Developing self and others
About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring, and her role as apprenticeship tutor. Sarah is a Fellow of the ARA.
Please book your place here by Monday 22nd February 2027. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Booking and delegate fees:
ARA member £100, Corporate Member £150, non-member £200
Introduction to Time Management
Introduction to Time Management
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Tuesday 16th March and Wednesday 17th March 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Do you ever feel there are not enough hours in the day? This practical course will help you understand what is getting in the way of effective time management and give you the tools and strategies to take back control. Explore how to identify time thieves, improve planning, organise your information and working environment, manage competing demands, and develop habits that help you make the most of your time. You will leave with a clearer understanding of your current approach and practical techniques you can apply immediately in the workplace.
Whether you are new to time management or looking to refine your approach, this course will help you develop practical skills to manage your time more effectively. It is suitable for all staff, volunteers and those working in community settings across the recordkeeping, libraries, museums and the wider heritage sector. The course will focus on:
What is time management and how do I benefit?
What’s holding you back from being a better time manager
The Time Management Toolbox
Manage yourself
Key learning outcomes
Understanding the nature of time management and why it matters
Understanding your own use of time currently and your current time management skills
Identifying what undermines your current time management
Learning tools and strategies to improve your time management
Previous delegates say:
“This course was really excellent, and I would highly recommend it to everyone. I also really liked the very useful tips on managing upwards and dealing with the public.”
“Having time out to actually consider what my time management problems are and advice to improve them. The non-judgemental atmosphere was also very helpful”
“The trainer was excellent. Lots of things to consider, kept my attention throughout and gave everyone plenty of opportunity to contribute”
The practical tips for day-to-day time management were most beneficial, particularly the tables for planning out your day/week/longer time periods.”
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A10/AC7/RM10 Developing self and others
A3/AC4/RM3 Managing resources/resource management
A4/AC8/RM4 Working with people
A8/RM8 Performance and impact
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan MSc FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience of working with numerous projects large and small as a consultant and in supporting her consultancy clients. Elizabeth is a Fellow of the ARA
Booking and delegate fee: £70 ARA members. £130 Corporate Members £180 non-members
Please book your place via Eventbrite before Friday 12th March 2027. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Stepping into leadership
Stepping into leadership
Trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Wednesday 24th March and Thursday 25th March 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
This course is suitable for people who are beginning to lead others, and who may not be in a formal line management role. Whilst designed for those in the cultural and heritage sector it will be relevant for those working in any environment as it covers key ideas, skills and behaviours in leading others.
Previous participants said:
“The training was really well structured, with a lot of variety and just enough time for exercises without feeling too overwhelming. I will be using the tools shared with us”
“The course has given me confidence which in turn has helped solidify a direction for my professional development”
Overview of course content
When am I a leader?
Leadership skills and behaviours
Communicating and influencing
Values
Understanding context and thinking strategically
Course learning outcomes
Understanding the difference between leadership and management
Developing and practising basic leadership skills including communication and strategic thinking
Understanding personal values
Delivery
This one-day course will be delivered online via Zoom across two consecutive half-days (3.5 hours).
The course will be very interactive, requiring participants to undertake activities during the sessions, some individually and some with others. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A1/AC1/RM1 Aims and objectives
A3/AC4/RM3 Managing resources
A4/RM4 Working with people
AC8 Teamwork and collaboration
A8/RM8 Performance and impact
A10/AC7/RM10 Developing self and others
About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring, and her role as apprenticeship tutor.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place here by Monday 22nd March 2027 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Introduction to Project Management
Introduction to Project Management
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Wednesday 28th April and Thursday 29th April 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Project management is the process of planning, organising and managing resources to deliver a successful outcome within an agreed timescale.
This practical and engaging course will introduce you to the key principles, tools and techniques of effective project management, helping you plan, organise and deliver projects with confidence.
Designed for those new to project management, the course is suitable for everyone working across the record-keeping, cultural and heritage sectors, from frontline staff and volunteers to senior managers. Through practical exercises, handouts and ready-to-use tools, you will develop your skills while applying your learning to a real project from your own workplace.
This course will introduce you to:
Defining what is a project
Identifying the stages in a project.
The basics of planning a project
Implementing and monitoring a project
Completing a project
Skills of a good project manager
This training course includes handouts and numerous tools to consolidate your learning. You will also be encouraged to pick a simple project relevant to your own work which you can develop during the course.
This course is for anyone who is new to project management and would like to learn techniques to manage a project. It is suitable for anyone working in the record-keeping or wider cultural and heritage sectors, from senior managers to frontline staff and volunteers.
Previous delegates say:
“It fulfilled my expectations! The trainer gave very practical tips and encouraged the other participants to share their experience too, much of which was also very valuable. It also felt manageable. There was not information overload. Having it over 2 days helped this”
“I loved the format of the training, very interactive and friendly, and fantastic to have it run over two mornings instead of one day online”.
“The trainer was both knowledgeable and engaging. She was able to get all the points, regardless of complexity, across to everyone, even though we were all at different stages of understanding. The course was well paced and easy to follow.”
Course learning outcomes
Understanding when something is a project or not
Awareness of core project planning techniques
Ability to measure and monitor success of your project
Being able to identify project phases and how they interrelate
Ability to develop a project implementation plan
Understanding how to draw a project to a successful conclusion
Understanding how your own skills currently match those of a good project manager
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A1/AC1/RM1 Aims and objectives
A3/AC4/RM3 Resource management
A10/AC7/RM10 Developing self and others
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan MSc, FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience of working with numerous projects large and small as a consultant and in supporting her consultancy clients.Elizabeth is a Fellow of the ARA.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 for corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place via Eventbrite before Monday 26th April 2027. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Building professional confidence
Building professional confidence
Trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA
Online (Zoom) - Tuesday 8th June 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone. Many archivists, conservators and records managers experience self-doubt at some point in their working life. This workshop will offer a range of different evidence-based approaches to help manage feelings of self-doubt and imposter phenomenon and increase personal resilience.
Overview of course content
What are self-doubt and “imposter phenomenon”?
Systemic and environmental influences
Tools and techniques
Course learning outcomes
Understand the experience of “imposter phenomenon” and where it comes from
Investigate practical strategies for managing self-doubt at work
Build confidence and resilience
Delivery
This half-day course (3.5 hours) will be delivered online via Zoom.
The course will be very interactive, with individual and small group activities. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded. You do not have to share anything you are not comfortable with, but bear in mind you will be asked to reflect on your own level of professional confidence and experiences of imposter feelings.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A4/RM4 Working with people
AC8 Teamwork and collaboration
A10/AC7/RM10 Developing self and others
A8/RM8 Performance and impact
Previous delegates say:
“I've come away feeling more confident, and it was extremely valuable to hear the experiences of others and realise it's not just me feeling this way.”
“It was really great to talk with other professionals going through similar things and to be aware that many others are experiencing the same feelings or worries. .. . Making a note of positive feedback so I can look back over it when experiencing low confidence.”
“I've come away with some tools I can employ immediately to reframe my approach to my work, and thoughts of what I can put into practice in the longer term.”
About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager, with qualifications and practical experience in psychology and counselling. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring. Sarah is a Fellow of the ARA.
Booking and delegate fee: £40 Individual members, £80 corporate members, £100 non-members
Please book your place here by Friday 4th June 2027. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Budgeting for beginners
Budgeting for beginners
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Monday 13th September and Tuesday 14th September 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
This course is targeted at anyone who is new to budgeting. It is suitable for all levels of staff, volunteers and those working in community organisations. Whilst designed for those in the cultural sector it will be relevant for those working in any environment as it covers key ideas and processes used in financial reporting.
Previous delegates have said:
“Excellent training, well planned with real-life examples and anecdotes. Presenter very knowledgeable. Taking the time to talk over the solution to the project budget was really useful in making things clearer. Supportive atmosphere”
“The presentation and handouts were clear, comprehensive and detailed without being too over-complicated. Two half days was also the perfect length. The trainer was excellent in delivering and making light of what could be a duller subject area!”
“When pulling together funding applications, I will now be referring to what I learnt today for compiling budgets”
Overview of course content
Understanding the purpose of a budget
When and how to create a simple budget
Individual elements and terminology within a budget
An overview of other financial documents including profit and Loss, balance sheet, cash flow and reserves
Course learning outcomes
Understanding the nature and purpose of a budget
Developing basic skills to create a budget
Developing basic skills to use a budget
How to use a budget and variance analysis
Understanding the nature and purpose of other types of key financial documents
Delivery
This one-day course will be delivered online via Zoom across two half days. It will also provide the opportunity for participants to undertake work in between the two sessions that will contribute to their learning.
The course will be very hands-on, requiring participants to undertake a lot of activities and sharing what they have done. Because of the nature of what will be discussed, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A3 / RM3 / AC4 Managing Resources
A10 / RM10 / AC7 Developing self and others
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience of working with numerous projects large and small as a consultant and in supporting her consultancy clients.Elizabeth is a Fellow of the ARA.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members. £150 for ARA Corporate members and £200 non-members
Please book your place here before Thursday 9th September 2027 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Introduction to Advocacy
Introduction for Advocacy
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Wednesday 13 October and Thursday 14 October 2027 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Advocacy in the workplace is an increasingly important subject. This course introduces attendees to core approaches for defining the purpose of advocacy work and planning how to implement it. The course will introduce you to the following areas:
Defining what is advocacy
Objectives: defining what you want to achieve
Building your advocacy strategy – stakeholders, messages
Planning your advocacy work
Dealing with people
Tips and tricks
This course is suitable for people who are new to advocacy and wish to learn core concepts and tools for undertaking advocacy work. Whilst it is based around advocacy for archives it will be suitable for anyone in the cultural and heritage sectors.
The course includes handouts and there will be numerous tools and case studies to consolidate your learning. You will be invited to identify an opportunity for advocacy within your own context and work on developing a message and approach during the workshop.
Previous delegates have said:
“I found the workshops really useful, having the chance to talk through questions and scenarios with other professionals and listen to other people’s ideas and experiences was really valuable”
“The training gave real practical examples of how to take forward ideas and put them into action.”
“I am going to use my learning to devise an advocacy plan for the collections, identifying first steps and detailing what we need to get started.”
Learning outcomes
Understanding what is advocacy
Developing the skills to define advocacy objectives
Developing the skills to undertake effective stakeholder analysis
Understanding the types of barriers to advocacy and how to assess their potential impact
Understanding how to build a message
Understanding the basics of planning an advocacy campaign
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist, Archive Conservator and Records Manager competency frameworks;
A3/RM3 Managing resources
A7/RM7 Sustainable practice
RM8 Performance and impact
AC6 Archive and conservation standards
A9/RM9 Professional Environments
A10/RM10 Developing self and others
A12 Collections Development
AC21 Advocating for conservation and preservation
RM25 Service evaluation
RM26 Advocacy
A27 Marketing, advocacy and outreach
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan MSc FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience in the development of high-level strategy and advocacy for the archives sector into an accessible learning programme for those looking to develop their advocacy skills. Elizabeth is a Fellow of the ARA.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place here before Monday 11th October 2027 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
ARA Section for Archives and Technology: Annual Review Meeting
ARA Section for Archives and Technology: Annual Review Meeting
Speakers: Jen Grasso, Rowan Rush-Morgan and Roni Guetta
Online - Tuesday 21st July between 11:30am - 1:00pm (BST)
The meeting will be held on Tuesday 21st July between 11:30am - 1:00pm (BST) via Teams. The event will be recorded for minute-taking purposes.
We will be starting with talks on digital projects by Jen Grasso from the University of Brighton Design Archives, Rowan Rush-Morgan and Roni Guetta from Queer Heritage South. We will then move to the formal part of the meeting, presenting an annual report and financial statement for the year and confirming officers for the coming period.
Agenda
Welcome & apologies for absence
Jen Grasso talk – The Glass Plates Project
Rowan Rush-Morgan and Roni Guetta talk – Queer Heritage South
Post-talk Q&A
Minutes of the AGM held on 26 June 2025
Chair’s report
Treasurer’s report
Election / re-election of officers
AOB
About the speakers:
Jen Grasso is the Digital Content Systems Co-Ordinator at the University of Brighton Design Archives. Her role focuses on the dissemination of the Design Archives’ collections as well as digital preservation. Her research is informed by archival and artistic practices and engages with topics such as the intersection between analogue and digital technologies, the use of technology to increase access to culture and heritage, community archives, oral histories, as well as fringe photographic media, in particular photobooth photography.
Rowan Rush-Morgan (he/him) is the Community Archivist at Queer Heritage South, a digital heritage learning project which celebrates, preserves, and shares LGBTQIA+ history in Brighton & Hove. His role involves managing the Queer Heritage South digital archive and supporting community engagement. Rowan will discuss how and why the Queer Heritage South archive was developed, alongside the benefits and challenges of collecting LGBTQIA+ history digitally, focussing on the lifecycle of born-digital LGBTQIA+ materials.
Roni Guetta (she/her) will be joining her colleague Rowan Rush-Morgan.
Booking costs: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Monday 20th July 2026 by 11am. Joining instructions will be sent to you.
Please book your place here before Monday 20th July 2026 by 11.00am
Novel Ideas: new areas of Research, Analysis, and Interpretation in Book Conservation (online event)
Novel Ideas: new areas of Research, Analysis, and Interpretation in Book Conservation (online event)
Date: Tuesday 21st July, 11.00 – 12.00
Tickets: Free
Location: Online via Teams
The ARA Section for Preservation & Conservation are delighted to present ‘Novel Ideas’, an event exploring several research projects investigating new research, methods of analysis, ways of interpretation, and aspects of exhibition – all centred around how we care, access, and learn from the medium of books.
Our three speakers:
Marysia Tarnowska, Teesside University
Leather bound books, red rot, and health and safety
An exploratory investigation into the health and safety aspects of this was performed to help inform handling practices. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used on artificial sweat extracts of deteriorated leathers to quantify elements of concern (As, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Cd, Ni, Ba, and Se). Levels above permissible limits of As, Cd, and Pb were detected in several deaccessioned samples from the Natural History Museum, London.
Based on the results of this study, personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when working with red rotting leather-bound books, and further tests suggested.
Tony King and Lauren Moon-Schott, Durham University
Blue Skies and Barriers: Incorporating Heritage Science into a Working Conservation Studio
With scientific analytical approaches revealing more about the methods and materials used to create heritage objects than ever before, heritage science is hailed as a tool for investigation and research, diagnostics and treatment planning. As such, it has joined a seemingly ever-growing list of activities in which conservators desire to become proficient and is one that comes with a steep barrier for entry from both financial and educational perspectives. Durham University conservators will talk about their aspirations for embedding heritage science into everyday working and examine the practicalities and complications of implementing those ambitions.
Jill Unkel, Curator of Western Collections, Chester Beatty Library
Manuscripts and the Mind
Mapping the Margins is a University of Glasgow project based in the School of Critical Studies and funded by the Templeton Religion Trust. The project examines paratexts and explores how they contribute to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding through engagement with literary and visual artwork. Studying paratexts in all their variety in ancient manuscripts is an opportunity to learn how people from the past experienced these manuscripts, how they understood them, and what they did with them. This project assembled a multidisciplinary team and using today’s technologies hopes to better understand how people from the past and in modern times process and approach Sacred Traditions through the paratexts. The exhibition, Manuscripts and the Mind brought together the various research projects into a cohesive story, exploring the paratextuality of a variety of manuscript cultures represented in the Chester Beatty collections. This talk will introduce how the project, and how the exhibition attempted bring it all together.
Although this event is being organised by the Section for Preservation and Conservation, we welcome participants from all the ARA’s nations, regions and sections.
There will be time for questions following the talks, so please feel free to submit questions in the Teams Q&A.
If you have any further questions, please email the event organisers at preservationandconservation@archives.org.uk
Please book your place on Eventbrite before Monday 20th July 2026 at 12 noon.
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: ARA Professional Registration
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: ARA Professional Registration
Speaker: Chris Sheridan, Head of Professional Standards and Development at Archives and Records Association
Online - Friday 17 July 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
What is professional registration and how might it benefit my career?
Join this informal webinar with Chris Sheridan, Head of Professional Standards and Development at Archives and Records Association (ARA), to explore ARA professional registration.
Chris will explain why charterships and professional registrations exist, the benefits they offer, and provide an overview of ARA’s professional registration application and assessment process.
Webinar learning outcomes
Understanding the value of registration
The importance of continuing professional development (CPD)
How to use ARA’s competency frameworks
How to apply for ARA professional registration
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks;
A4/RM4 Working with people
AC8 Teamwork and collaboration
A8/RM8 Performance and impact
A10/RM10/AC7 Developing self and others
A11/RM11 Professional ethics and standards
About our presenter:
Chris Sheridan has more than 25 years’ experience working with chartered institutions and professional membership organisations. At ARA he leads work on professional registration, university programme accreditation, central training, and ongoing career and professional development support for members.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 25th July 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 15th July 2026 by 5.00pm
ARA International Section Notice of Annual Review Meeting & International Coffee Chat
ARA International Section Notice of Annual Review Meeting & International Coffee Chat
Online - Wednesday 15th July 2026 - 1.00pm to 2.00pm
The International Section are pleased to bring you our Annual Review Meeting programme for 2026.
The Annual Review Meeting will be held online via Teams at 1pm (BST) on Wednesday 15 July 2026. This Annual Review Meeting will also include a Connections event, providing an opportunity for members to connect with each other with an International Coffee session.
To attend the event please sign up by the end of Monday 6 July 2026 at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ara-international-section-notice-of-annual-review-meeting-coffee-chat-tickets-1992044626101?aff=oddtdtcreator
We hope that this will be a chance to recap what the Committee has been up to over the past year, learn about what we have planned going forward, and discuss the upcoming International Guidance on Events that we have developed to support members.
To further offer members a chance to connect with others internationally, share experiences, and feel less isolated, we will be holding an International Coffee session. To support this there will be Conversation Starter Questions, which will be shared with the Teams meeting invite. We are sharing these for you to muse on in advance but there is no obligation to ask all or stick to these in the session with whoever you are grouped with, but they are there for reference to support your conversations.
Please note that only individual members of the ARA may vote in the Annual Review Meeting committee elections.
Timings (in BST)
To see what time this is for your location visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
12:45 Teams Waiting Room opens
13:00 Welcome & Introduction from the Chair
13:05 Annual Review Meeting (including re-election of officers and plans for 2026/27 year)
13:20 Break
13:30 International Coffee Chat – Breakout Session #1 (rooms of 2-3 people)
*Rooms will be switched – remember to share contact details before leave*
13:45 International Coffee Chat – Breakout Session #2 (rooms of 2-3 people)
14:00 Closing words and thanks
A Teams link will be sent to you in advance of the meeting, along with Annual Review Meeting paperwork including minutes from last Annual Review Meeting, Section Terms of Reference and the Annual Report 2025-26. This will also include the Conversation Starter Questions.
Please be sure to check the junk mail for the Teams link. We will send it again on the day for ease of reference.
If you want to contact us directly, please email the ARA International Section Secretary, Isabel Lauterjung at: international@archives.org.uk
Look forward to seeing and connecting with you there!
ARA International Committee
LinkedIn: ARA International Section
Instagram: @internationalsectionara
BlueSky account @arainternational.bysky.social
Website: https://www.archives.org.uk/international-group
Reddit: u/arainternational
Best wishes,
ARA International Committee.
Mixed Collections: An Introduction
Mixed Collections: An Introduction
Trainer: Anita Hollinshead
The Section for Archives and Museums are repeating their popular online workshops covering the basics of managing and working with mixed collections.
Attendees will gain an overview of standards governing the care and display of objects, as well as an understanding of current issues and trends in the museum sector.
The session have been compiled by freelance museum consultant Anita Hollinshead. The session will last 2½ hours, consisting of two 50 minute presentations from Anita, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A, providing delegates an opportunity to ask Anita specific questions and queries.
The session is primarily aimed at archivists managing a range of objects within their collections but will also be of benefit to staff and volunteers caring for collections in heritage sites, museums, historic houses and libraries as well as those considering a career in the museum sector. The session will be suitable for those new to the sector as well as those wishing to refresh their existing knowledge.
Following the workshops, delegates will be sent a handout with further information and resources on the topics covered. Recordings of the presentations will also be available for a limited period on the members’ area of the ARA website.
Agendas
10.00-10.50am - Museum Standards
An overview of the standards that underpin collections care and management including Museum Accreditation; Spectrum 5.0; PAS 197: Code of Practice for Cultural Collections Management and the Museum Association’s Code of Ethics.
10.50-11.10 – break, and opportunity for delegates to submit questions for the Q&A session
11.10-12.00 – The Museum Environment
An introduction to the museum environment and the optimum conditions in which to store and display collections. Topics covered will include temperature, relative humidity, light and pollution as well as environmental monitoring and control. The second half will cover housekeeping and pest management.
12.00-12.30 – Q&A
An opportunity for delegates to submit questions to Anita.
Admission fees
ARA members: £20.00
Non-members: £25.00
Please book your place on Eventbrite before Friday 3rd July 2026
Joining instructions will be sent on Tuesday 7th July.
If you have any queries about this event please contact sam@archives.org.uk .
PCG Annual Review Meeting - this is for booking your online attendance
PCG Annual Review Meeting - this is for booking your online attendance
There will also be lighting talks for all and in-person tours of Cultural Collections spaces at the University of Leeds Galleries.
P&CG will be holding an annual review meeting covering the ARA year 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025 on Friday 3rd July 2026. It will be a hybrid event held both in person at the University of Leeds Cultural Collections at the Brotherton Library, and online via Microsoft Teams. It may be recorded for minute-taking purposes.
We will be presenting an annual report and financial statement for the year and confirming officers for the coming period. Come and meet us all!
Along with the meeting, there will also be lighting talks and in-person tours of Cultural Collections spaces and the opportunity to visit the University of Leeds Galleries.
Timings and schedule:
12:00-1:00pm
Option to meet for lunch and social (bring something or there’s a café.)
Opportunity to view Treasures of the Brotherton and Stanley & Audrey Burton Galleries.
In-person only
Parkinson Court, Parkinson Building
1:00-2:00pm
Annual Review Meeting.
Online and in-person
Bedford Room, Cultural Collections Research Centre, Brotherton Library
2:00-2:15pm
Comfort Break - All
Opportunity to view items from the collection - In- person only, Bedford Room
3:15-4:15pm
Lighting talks.
Online and in-person
3:15-4:15pm
Tours (including Research Centre, Conservation Studio, Stacks, Digitisation etc.)
In-person only
Cultural Collections, Brotherton Library
4:15-4:30pm
Closing remarks.
Opportunity to view items from the collection.
(Galleries remain open until 5pm).
In-person only
Bedford Room, Cultural Collections Research Centre, Brotherton Library
If you have any questions, please e-mail the PCG Secretary Rosie Shepley at PCG.Sec@archives.org.uk
Please book your place on Eventbrite before Wednesday 1st July 2026
PCG Annual Review Meeting - this is for booking your in-person attendance
PCG Annual Review Meeting - this is for booking your in-person attendance
There will also be lighting talks for all and in-person tours of Cultural Collections spaces at the University of Leeds Galleries.
P&CG will be holding an annual review meeting covering the ARA year 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025 on Friday 3rd July 2026. It will be a hybrid event held both in person at the University of Leeds Cultural Collections at the Brotherton Library, and online via Microsoft Teams. It may be recorded for minute-taking purposes.
We will be presenting an annual report and financial statement for the year and confirming officers for the coming period. Come and meet us all!
Along with the meeting, there will also be lighting talks and in-person tours of Cultural Collections spaces and the opportunity to visit the University of Leeds Galleries.
Timings and schedule:
12:00-1:00pm
Option to meet for lunch and social (bring something or there’s a café.)
Opportunity to view Treasures of the Brotherton and Stanley & Audrey Burton Galleries.
In-person only
Parkinson Court, Parkinson Building
1:00-2:00pm
Annual Review Meeting.
Online and in-person
Bedford Room, Cultural Collections Research Centre, Brotherton Library
2:00-2:15pm
Comfort Break - All
Opportunity to view items from the collection - In- person only, Bedford Room
3:15-4:15pm
Lighting talks.
Online and in-person
3:15-4:15pm
Tours (including Research Centre, Conservation Studio, Stacks, Digitisation etc.)
In-person only
Cultural Collections, Brotherton Library
4:15-4:30pm
Closing remarks.
Opportunity to view items from the collection.
(Galleries remain open until 5pm).
In-person only
Bedford Room, Cultural Collections Research Centre, Brotherton Library
If you have any questions, please e-mail the PCG Secretary Rosie Shepley at PCG.Sec@archives.org.uk
Please book your place on Eventbrite before Wednesday 1st July 2026
Introduction to Evaluation
Introduction to Evaluation
Trainer: Kevin Bolton, Kazky Consultancy
Online - Tuesday 30th June 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Evaluation is the assessment of an activity, project, or service to determine its value, quality or effectiveness. It enables you to identify what is working well, things you would like to do better, and demonstrate the difference your work makes to funders, decision makers and other stakeholders. Increasingly, archives are expected to undertake evaluation on projects, especially for externally funded projects (e.g. National Lottery Heritage Fund), and also at a service level to demonstrate impact.
This course is suitable for people who are new to evaluation and wish to learn core concepts and tools for undertaking evaluation work. Whilst it is based around evaluation for archives it will be suitable for anyone in the cultural and heritage sectors.
The course includes handouts to help consolidate your learning and signposting to other resources.
Overview of Course content
• Defining what evaluation is
• The stages of evaluation
• Evaluation planning
• Types of evaluation methods and tools
• Evaluation reporting and sharing
Course learning outcomes
• Understanding the different types of evaluation and key stages
• Developing the skills to plan an evaluation and create a simple evaluation plan
• Understanding what evaluation methods and tools you can use
• Understanding how to create a good evaluation or impact report and share the key messages
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s Archivist competency framework:
• A2 Plans, policies and procedures
• A5 Legislation and regulation
• A8 Performance and impact
• A12 Collections development
• A14 Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal
• A22. Activities to support users and stakeholders
• A23 Inclusive environments
• A25 Education and learning opportunities
• A26 Collaborating and building relationships
• A27 Marketing, advocacy and outreach
About our trainer: Kevin Bolton is a Director of Kazky, a consultancy specialising in archives, libraries, heritage and evaluation.
Booking and delegate fee: £50 for ARA members, £100 corporate members, £150 for non-members
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Friday 26th June 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: Exploring archival technologies with ARA’s SAT committee
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: Exploring archival technologies with ARA’s SAT committee
Speakers: Malcolm Mathieson, Lucy Rumble, Jake Bickford
Online - Friday 19th June 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
Join this informal webinar with the committee of the ARA Section for Archives and Technology as we explore tech issues impacting our day-to-day work. Committee members will briefly discuss different ways new technologies are affecting their work with archives, including introducing Python to workflows, planning for new content management systems (CMS), and exploring options for archiving dynamic websites following the Conifer sunset announcement. We’d love to hear about what you are doing too!
Webinar learning outcomes
Demonstration of Python for preparing digital files for ingest
Understanding key issues when drafting a specification and planning workflows for acquiring a new CMS
An understanding of manual capture tools for web archiving dynamic sites and how they can fit into wider web archiving workflows.
Open discussion with attendees of their preferred tools
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks;
A12 Collections development
A13 Information systems, records and data
A20 Preserving born digital and digitised records and archives
About our presenters:
Malcolm Mathieson RMARA is the Archivist for Amnesty International’s Secretariat and has been SAT’s Acting Chair for more than a year.
Lucy Rumble is the Digital Archivist for Newham Heritage Service, hired to lead an innovative digital programme funded by the UK National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform access to the London Borough of Newham’s collections. She is also SAT’s Training and Events Officer.
Jake Bickford FMARA is a Web Archivist at The National Archives, UK and is SAT’s Treasurer.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 17th June 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 17th June 2026 by 4pm
Stepping into leadership
Stepping into leadership
Trainer: Sarah Wickham, FARA
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
This course is suitable for people who are beginning to lead others, and who may not be in a formal line management role. Whilst designed for those in the cultural and heritage sector it will be relevant for those working in any environment as it covers key ideas, skills and behaviours in leading others.
Previous participants said:
“The training was really well structured, with a lot of variety and just enough time for exercises without feeling too overwhelming”
“I will be using the tools shared with us”
“The course has given me confidence which in turn has helped solidify a direction for my professional development”
Overview of course content
When am I a leader?
Leadership skills and behaviours
Communicating and influencing
Values
Understanding context and thinking strategically
Course learning outcomes
Understanding the difference between leadership and management
Developing and practising basic leadership skills including communication and strategic thinking
Understanding personal values
Delivery
This one-day course will be delivered online via Zoom across two consecutive half-days (3.5 hours).
The course will be very interactive, requiring participants to undertake activities during the sessions, some individually and some with others. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks;
Working with people
Professional environments
Developing self and others
Professional ethics and standards
About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring, and her role as apprenticeship tutor.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place here by Monday 8th June 2026 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: Archive Service Accreditation: making it happen
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: Archive Service Accreditation: making it happen
Speaker: Melinda Haunton RMARA, Programme Manager (Accreditation) at The National Archives
Online - Friday 29 May 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
Description: Archive Service Accreditation has been the UK management standard for archives since 2013, developed by a partnership of professional and national archives bodies, and managed by a sector-owned governing Committee. Accreditation has recently been updated, so this is a great time to review whether an application is realistic for your archive service, to refresh yourself on how Accreditation works, or to start actively planning towards Accreditation.
Accreditation can seem like a challenge from the outside, but it is designed to work for archive services of many different types and sizes. Scalability is built into how applications are assessed. Smaller archives have successfully applied from the outset, including plenty with lone or fractional professional posts. But it would be great to have more applications from smaller services, and this will be a focus of the session.
This session will include a short familiarisation talk about the programme, and an open forum for your questions. It’s a chance to check in about anything you want to discuss, from how to deal with particular circumstances to the recent updates to the standard. We will focus on getting the most out of working towards an application and on keeping preparation realistic to your scale. Sharing questions and solutions will help all attendees in engaging with Accreditation.
About our presenter: Melinda Haunton RMARA manages the Accreditation programme, based at The National Archives (UK). She works in the Archives Sector Leadership department, focusing on supporting the wider archives sector. Melinda is a qualified archivist, an ARA Professional Registration assessor, and teaches emerging professionals on the archives programme at the University of Dundee.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 27th May 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 27th May 2026 by 2.00pm
ARA ALES Lunchtime Seminar: "Measuring your learning impact: (Re)Introducing the Generic Learning Outcomes"
ARA ALES Lunchtime Seminar: "Measuring your learning impact: (Re)Introducing the Generic Learning Outcomes"
Speakers: Rachel Tranter MBE, Director of GEM the Group for Education in Museums, and Jenni Waugh, cultural engagement consultant.
Online - Wednesday 20th May 2026 - 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Our speakers for this session are Rachel Tranter MBE, Director of GEM the Group for Education in Museums, and Jenni Waugh, a cultural engagement consultant. Their talk is entitled: “Measuring your learning impact: (Re)Introducing the Generic Learning Outcomes.”
The Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs) are back! Refreshed to suit the inclusive learning and engagement delivery now delivered across the sector. The original GLOs framework was developed in 2003 to support museums, libraries and archives to understand and evidence the impact of their learning activity on a wide range of participants, going beyond factual processing and skills development to capture participants’ attitudes, behaviours, personal development and future inspiration. In 2025, GEM worked with Sam Bowen, SEND in museums consultant, and Dr Sarah Plumb of the Research Centre for Museums and Galleries, University of Leicester, to review and refresh the GLOs with a particular lens on inclusion. As a result, a new learning outcome, Sensory Engagement, has been introduced to reflect the current understanding of a fuller breadth of learning experiences. During this short presentation, Rachel Tranter, GEM Director, and Jenni Waugh, consultant, will introduce these proposed updates. There will be the opportunity for questions and discussion with them.
Booking costs: ARA members £10 and non-members £15
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Thursday 14th May 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Thursday 14th May 2026 by 5.00pm
International Section: Migrated Archives: Perspectives on Custody, Access, and Repatriation
International Section event
Migrated Archives: Perspectives on Custody, Access, and Repatriation
Speakers:
1. Avril Belfon, Government Archivist at the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago (Retired)
2. Forget Chaterera-Zambuko, Assistant Professor of History at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
3. Njörður Sigurðsson, Deputy Director General at the National Archives of Iceland
Online - Tuesday 19th May 2026 - 2.00pm to 3.15pm
The Archives & Records Association of the United Kingdom & Ireland presents a discussion with Avril Belfon, Forget Chaterera-Zambuko, and Njörður Sigurðsson on migrated archives and repatriation. Archival repatriation remains a widely discussed issue, with many cases still unresolved around the world. Disputes over archival repatriation have arisen where custody, ownership, and access are unclear or contested. This may result from war, military occupation, the succession of states, or other adverse events. The panel will explore these issues from a broad perspective and discuss how archivists can redress the historical displacement of documents with sensitivity.
Booking and delegate fee: ARA members £10 and non-members £20
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Sunday 17th May 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 17th May 2026 by 2.00pm
ARA Ireland and the Preservation and Conservation Group - Conservation Surgery
Conservation Surgery
Training: Online - Monday 19th May 2026 - 2.00 to 3pm - free to attend
Do you have a burning conservation question but no conservator to ask? Join us for a collaborative and informal online Conservation Surgery Session. This is an open forum where you can bring any conservation questions you may have to a panel of friendly conservators.
Please note that this session will not be recorded. In the interest of answering as many questions as possible, attendance is limited to 10 people, so booking is essential.
The panel of conservators available to answer questions will be:
Jessica Baldwin – Senior Conservator at the National Archives Ireland (NAI)
Sarah Graham – Head of Conservation at Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)
Mark O’Neill – Preventive Conservator (Archives) at the Imperial War Museums
Elizabeth Stettler – Conservator at the West Yorkshire Archive Service
To book a place please email Elizabeth Stettler, Preservation and Conservation Group Co-Training Officer, at PCG.TO2@archives.org.ukby 10am Monday 18th May 2026.
Note: Preference given to ARA Ireland members, other sections and regions are welcome to attend if space allows.
Data Protection Law for Archives, Museums and Library Collections
Data Protection Law for Archives, Museums and Library Collections
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training:Online - Monday 11th May 2026 - 12.30 to 4pm
Are you confident in managing personal data within your archive, museum, or library collection?
This half-day course provides a practical introduction to data protection law as it applies to the unique challenges of archives and museums. You’ll explore the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and learn how to manage personal data responsibly in a cultural heritage context.
Through real-world examples and practical guidance, you’ll gain the skills to handle personal and sensitive data compliantly, balancing legal obligations with the needs of preservation and access.
You’ll leave this course with a clear understanding of how data protection law applies to archives, museums, and library collections. You’ll be equipped to manage personal data confidently, ensuring compliance while maintaining access to historical records
This course is ideal for
Archivists, museum, and library professionals
Records managers and information governance staff
Data protection officers in cultural heritage organisations
Anyone handling personal data within collections
Course learning outcomes
Recognise the background of applicable laws (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018).
Define personal data within archived and collection contexts.
Understand the concept of compatible processing.
Identify the lawful basis for processing archival records.
Understand required safeguards for processing special category data.
Apply the storage limitation principle in an archival setting.
Recognise applicable exemptions and what they mean in practice
Understand data subject rights in relation to archives, including access and erasure.
Consider security issues specific to archives and museum environments.
This course offers expert-led, interactive sessions, course materials, slides, and resources and opportunities for Q&A throughout.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Access to records
Managing operational risk
Legislation and regulation
Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal
Developing self and others
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please note that ARA is a Charity and does not charge VAT on delegate fees
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Thursday 7th May 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before 12pm on Thursday 7th May 2026
Mixed Collections: An Introduction
Mixed Collections: An Introduction
Trainer: Anita Hollinshead
The Section for Archives and Museums are repeating their popular online workshops covering the basics of managing and working with mixed collections.
Attendees will gain an overview of standards governing the care and display of objects, as well as an understanding of current issues and trends in the museum sector.
The sessions have been compiled by freelance museum consultant Anita Hollinshead. Each will last 2½ hours, consisting of two 50 minute presentations from Anita, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A, providing delegates an opportunity to ask Anita specific questions and queries.
The sessions are primarily aimed at archivists managing a range of objects within their collections but will also be of benefit to staff and volunteers caring for collections in heritage sites, museums, historic houses and libraries as well as those considering a career in the museum sector. The sessions will be suitable for those new to the sector as well as those wishing to refresh their existing knowledge.
Following the workshops, delegates will be sent a handout with further information and resources on the topics covered. Recordings of the presentations will also be available for a limited period on the members’ area of the ARA website.
Admission fees
ARA members: £20.00
Non-members: £25.00
Please book your place on Eventbrite by Thursday 23rd April 2026
Joining instructions will be sent on Friday 1st May.
If you have any queries about this event please contact sam@archives.org.uk .
How to Write a Winning TownsWeb Digitisation Grant Application
How to Write a Winning TownsWeb Digitisation Grant Application
Speaker: Casper Smithson, Chief Operating Officer at TownsWeb Archiving and PastView
Online - Wednesday 29th April 2026 - 1.30pm to 2.00pm
Description: Join TownsWeb, for a practical session on how to maximise the chances of submitting a successful TWA Digitisation Grant application.
This year marks a special milestone for TownsWeb, which is celebrating both its 20th anniversary and the 10th year of its annual Digitisation Grant programme. Over the past decade, the grant has supported more than 135 organisations and awarded over £200,000 in funding to help preserve and improve access to valuable collections.
To celebrate this anniversary year, the funding has been significantly increased, with 10 grants of £3,000 available instead of the usual three.
During the session, Casper will share insights from the grant judges, explain what makes a strong application, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and provide practical tips to help applicants present their projects clearly and confidently.
This webinar will be valuable for organisations considering applying for the TWA Digitisation Grant, whether for the first time or looking to strengthen a previous application.
About our presenter: As Chief Operating Officer of TownsWeb Archiving, Casper Smithson leads the company’s mission to help organisations preserve, digitise, and share their collections with wider audiences. He oversees the delivery of TownsWeb’s end to end digitisation services, supporting archives, libraries, museums, and heritage organisations in safeguarding valuable materials while improving access and usability.
With a strong background in sales, marketing, and operations, Casper brings a practical, user focused approach to helping organisations unlock the value of their collections. He is particularly passionate about making digitisation projects achievable, sustainable, and impactful, ensuring collections can be discovered, explored, and used by future generations.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Monday 27th April 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before Monday 27th April 2026 by 4.00pm
Introduction to Project Management
Introduction to Project Management
Trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan MSc, FARA
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Monday 27th April and Tuesday 28th April 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Project management is about getting things done within a specific timeframe through the use of tools, knowledge, processes, and competencies. This course will introduce you to:
Defining what is a project
Identifying the stages in a project.
The basics of planning a project
Implementing and monitoring a project
Completing a project
Skills of a good project manager
This training course includes handouts and numerous tools to consolidate your learning. You will also be encouraged to pick a simple project relevant to your own work which you can develop during the course.
This course is for anyone who is new to project management and would like to learn techniques to manage a project. It is suitable for any one working the record-keeping sector or the wider cultural and heritage sectors, from senior managers to frontline staff and volunteers.
Previous delegates say:
“It fulfilled my expectations! The trainer gave very practical tips and encouraged the other
participants to share their experience too, much of which was also very valuable. It also felt
manageable. There was not information overload. Having it over 2 days helped this”
“I loved the format of the training, very interactive and friendly, and fantastic to have it run over
two mornings instead of one day online”.
“The trainer was both knowledgeable and engaging. She was able to get all the points, regardless
of complexity, across to everyone, even though we were all at different stages of
understanding. The course was well paced and easy to follow.”
Course learning outcomes
Understanding when something is a project or not
Awareness of core project planning techniques
Ability to measure and monitor success of your project
Being able to identify project phases and how they interrelate
Ability to develop a project implementation plan
Understanding how to draw a project to a successful conclusion
Understanding how your own skills currently match those of a good project manager
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency framework;
Working with aims and objectives
Managing and using financial and other resources
Developing self and others
About our trainer: Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan MSc, FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and qualified management consultant with extensive experience across all elements of the UK archive sector. Elizabeth brings her experience of working with numerous projects large and small as a consultant and in supporting her consultancy clients.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place here before Thursday 23rd April 2026 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Copyright Basics
Copyright Basics
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training will be delivered:
Online - Monday 20th April - 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Copyright Basics - Build your foundational knowledge of copyright and data protection essentials.
Need to get to grips with copyright law? This half day course gives you a solid introduction to the subject. You’ll explore the basics of copyright — what it protects, how long it lasts, and what your responsibilities are when creating, using, or publishing content.
Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to handle rights responsibly in your day-to-day work.
You’ll finish this course with a solid foundation in both copyright and data protection law. Whether you’re creating or using content, or handling personal data in your role, you’ll be able to apply legal requirements with confidence and ensure your organisation stays compliant
Course learning outcomes
Understand the core principles of copyright and what works are protected
Identify authorship, ownership, and duration of copyright in different contexts
Recognise exceptions to copyright, including those relevant to libraries and cultural heritage
Explore orphan works and Creative Commons licences
Analyse case studies to apply copyright concepts to practical scenarios
This course offers expert-led, interactive sessions, course materials, slides, and resources and opportunities for Q&A throughout
This course offers expert-led, interactive sessions, course materials, slides, and resources and opportunities for Q&A throughout.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Access to records
Managing operational risk
Legislation and regulation
Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal
Developing self and others
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please note that ARA is a Charity and does not charge VAT on delegate fees
Please book your place here before Thursday 16th April 2026
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Thursday 16th April 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: An Introduction to Developing a Digital Asset Register
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: An Introduction to Developing a Digital Asset Register
Speaker: Sharon McMeekin, Preserve Together
Online - Friday 10 April 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
In a world where digital content can proliferate with ease, knowing what you have, where it is, and what challenges it presents for preservation can seem almost impossible. Creating and maintaining a Digital Asset Register (DAR) is an essential step towards being able to answer those questions and effectively manage digital collections. In this session, Sharon McMeekin, author of the Digital Asset Register Toolkit (DPC and The National Archives, UK), will introduce what a DAR is, how it can help you manage your digital collections, and how to begin designing and populating a DAR for your organisation.
Webinar learning outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Describe what a DAR is and why it is useful
Use the Digital Asset Register Toolkit template to develop a DAR that captures the information needed to manage their organisation’s digital collections
Create a plan for capturing the data needed to populate a DAR
The webinar will conclude with a 15-minute Q&A segment, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification.
Speaker: Sharon McMeekin, Consultant, Preserve Together
https://www.preservetogether.com/about/
Sharon has worked in digital archives and preservation for nearly twenty years, starting as a digital archivist before spending more than a decade as Head of Workforce Development with the Digital Preservation Coalition. There she led the creation of resources such as the Novice to Know-How training courses and the Digital Asset Register Toolkit on behalf of The National Archives (UK), as well as the Digital Preservation Competency Framework. She is now a consultant and training lead with Preserve Together.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 8th April 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 8th April 2026 by 4pm
First Time Manager
First Time Manager
Trainer: Sarah Wickham, FARA
Training will be delivered over two consecutive days:
Online - Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st March 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please purchase only one ticket which covers both days.
Moving into management for the first time? This energising course will give you the tools, mindset, and confidence to manage with clarity and purpose. Through hands-on activities, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively, delegate wisely, and build a thriving team culture—starting from day one. Whilst designed for those in the cultural and heritage sector the course will be relevant for those working in any environment as it covers essential skills to manage effectively.
Overview of course content
Shifting from individual contributor to manager
Management skills and behaviours
Delegating and decision-making
Handling disagreements
Setting goals and managing performance
Course learning outcomes
Understanding core management skills and behaviours
Developing and practising core management skills and behaviours including feedback
Planning to transition confidently into line management roles
Delivery
This one-day course will be delivered online via Zoom across two consecutive half-days (3.5 hours).
The course will be very interactive, requiring participants to undertake activities during the sessions, some individually and some with others. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks;
Aims and objectives
Resource management
Working with people
Performance and impact
Developing self and others
About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring, and her role as apprenticeship tutor.
Booking and delegate fee: £100 for ARA members, £150 corporate members, £200 non-members
Please book your place here before Friday 27th March 2026 - you only need to purchase one ticket for both days.
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Freedom of Information Act & Environment Information Regulations
Freedom of Information Act & Environment Information Regulations
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training will be delivered:
Online - Monday 16th March - 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Handle FOI and EIR requests with confidence and compliance.
Are you prepared to respond effectively to information requests? This half-day intermediate course provides a practical introduction to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). While the main focus is FOIA, the course also includes an overview of EIR, helping you understand your responsibilities when individuals exercise their rights to access information.
This course will provide you with a clear understanding of how to manage FOI and EIR requests, apply exemptions appropriately, and handle appeals and refusals with confidence. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll be guided step by step through handling requests, applying exemptions, managing refusals, and understanding appeals processes – giving you the tools to manage requests compliantly and confidently.
Please note: this course covers the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in depth, not the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Course learning outcomes
Describe the history of access to information legislation.
Understand the scope of the legislation and which organisations it applies to.
Recognise the difference between Freedom of Information requests, Environmental Information requests (EIR), and data rights requests.
Recognise the requirements of a valid request under FOI and EIR.
Describe the process for handling requests, including timescales and internal reviews.
Describe the meaning of vexatious requests and when requests can be refused.
Recognise when a request can be refused.
Identify the exemptions (FOI) and exceptions (EIR) and understand when they apply.
Describe the right of appeal and what action the ICO might take.
This course offers expert-led, interactive sessions, course materials, slides, and resources and opportunities for Q&A throughout. It is ideal for Records and information governance professionals, Legal, compliance, and data protection teams, public sector staff handling FOI or EIR requests and anyone seeking practical guidance on managing access to information requests.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Legislation and regulation
Information, systems, records and data
Access to records
Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal of archives
Developing self and others
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please book your place here before Friday 13th March 2026
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Friday 13 March 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.
ARA South West regional meeting and “Meet the funders and the funded”, held at Bristol Archives, B Bond Warehouse
ARA South West regional meeting and “Meet the funders and the funded”, held at Bristol Archives, B Bond Warehouse
**Please RSVP to southwest@archives.org.uk **
Online - Monday 16th March 2026 - 10.00am to 16.30pm
1000-1020 Arrival & COFFEE/TEA
Meet the funders
1020-1050 Jess Hogg, Development Officer, Archives Revealed, TNA - TNA grants
1050-1110 Nell Hoare, FNL Secretary and NMCT Secretary - National Museums Conservation Trust and Friends of National Libraries funding (online)
1110-1130 Nicola Mansfield, Engagement Officer, London and South - National Lottery Heritage Fund grants
1130-1200 Beth Cutter, Development Manager, Bristol Museums - tips and tricks for bid writing and funding applications
1200-1300 LUNCH
Please bring your own or buy from the Create Centre Cafe in B Bond
Tea/coffee available from Bristol Archives
Meet the funded - case studies
1300-1330 Claire Skinner, Principal Archivist, Dorset History Centre - lottery application for proposed capital works, ‘Past Lives, Future Proofed’
1330-1400 Heather Milward, SoSW Project Manager, Bristol Archives - lottery bid for ‘Sounds of the South West’ audio heritage delivery phase (started Jan 26)
1400-1430 Stacey Anderson, Media Archivist, The Box, Plymouth - ‘Reimagining the film archive’ 2023-2026 BFI project and BFI application for ‘Reframing the region’ proposed project
1430-1500 COFFEE/TEA
1500-1530 Lucy Powell, Keeper: Theatre Archives, Theatre Collection, University of Bristol - recent TNA Archives Revealed Grant ‘John Fox and Sue Gill Archive’
1530-1545 Wrap up
1545-1630 ARA SW business meeting including updates from archive services
1630 Close
Address: B Bond Warehouse, Smeaton Road, BRISTOL, BS1 6XN
archives@bristol.gov.uk or 0117 922 4224
Directions and travel info: www.createbristol.org/contact-us
Free parking is available in Create Centre carpark – ask for a day permit at Create reception
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: Inclusion Projects: Learning from a case study of a community collecting archive in Sweden
Friday lunchtime CPD webinar: Inclusion Projects: Learning from a case study of a community collecting archive in Sweden
Speakers: Arif Naqvi, former project lead of the IFA project at the community collecting archive of Southwest Götaland
Online - Friday 13th March 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
Description: A community archive in Sweden had the opportunity to develop an outreach project to minority ethnic communities, which were underrepresented in the archive's collections. The goal was to increase the number of fonds from immigrant groups in the archives to give a fuller picture of local civil society and its history.
Challenges included: gaining access to, information from, and trust with communities; anticipating and navigating hot-button ethical or "culture war" issues; and changing the processes and assumptions the archive had developed over its own history.
This talk will look at how a shoestring one-year project, with one part-time staff member, was planned and delivered, the lessons learned, and issues that remained.
You may be able to compare it with your own experiences of outreach to communities unfamiliar with archives. It will also be a chance to reflect on your own organisations' capabilities to meet similar challenges.
About our presenter: Arif Naqvi worked at the community collecting archive of southwest Götaland (Föreningsarkivet I Sydvästra Götaland) in western Sweden for 8 years. Prior to this he worked in London where he was an outreach worker for a community associations and undertook similar work for an environmental charity. He has a degree in Archival and Information Science from Mid-Sweden University and is currently secretary of ARA’s Section for Archives and Technology.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 11th March 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 11th March 2026 by 5.00pm
ARA ALES Lunchtime Seminar: "Mining the Archives"
ARA ALES Lunchtime Seminar: "Mining the Archives"
Speakers: Kathy Coates-Mohammed, Stephanie Bartholet and Sue Pope
Online - Wednesday 11th March 2026 - 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Our speakers for this session are Kathy Coates-Mohammed and Stephanie Bartholet from Shape North and Sue Pope, Heritage Programmes Manager, at Brass Bands England. Their talk is entitled: “Mining the Archives: Utilising Brass Bands England's archival records for school engagement in the North West.”
In this talk, Brass Bands England and Creative Educators Shape North will outline their recent project work, whereby Shape North interrogated Brass Bands England's archive collection to develop an immersive and interactive schools' project based around the topic of local history. Working with schools in the NW (Huddersfield HD1 postcode), they invited pupils in to visit the Brass Bands Archive, housed at Heritage Quay, Huddersfield University. They delivered 'History Detective' workshops, art activities, alongside Brass Bands England providing have-a-go instrumental sessions for pupils, to encourage them to connect not only with music, but also with their local history and heritage.
Booking costs: ARA members £10 and non-members £15
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Thursday 5th March 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Thursday 5th March 2026 by 5.00pm
Friday Lunchtime webinar: Planning Access to Digital Collections Using the Levels of Born-Digital Access
Friday Lunchtime webinar: Planning Access to Digital Collections Using the Levels of Born-Digital Access
Speaker: Sharon McMeekin, Preserve Together
Online - Friday 27th February 2026 - 1.00pm to 1.30pm
Planning for the provision of access to digital archives can be intimidating and overwhelming. What forms should access take? What documentation is needed to support digital access? How do we ensure the security of digital records and data? The Levels of Born-Digital Access, developed by the Digital Library Federation’s Born-Digital Access Working Group, provides a clear and effective framework to help us answer these questions and more. This session will offer an overview of the Levels and how they can guide decision-making when planning access provision for born-digital and digitised archives content.
Webinar learning outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Describe the five areas of the Levels of Born-Digital Access
Understand key decisions to be made in relation to providing access to digital archives
Use the Levels to plan basic access provision for digital archives
The webinar will conclude with a 15-minute Q&A segment, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency framework;
· Developing self and others
· Professional ethics and standards
· Collections development
· Information systems, records and data
· Promoting and providing access to content onsite and online
· Preserving born digital and digitised records and archives
· Policies to support users and stakeholders
· Activities to support users and stakeholders
Speaker:
Sharon McMeekin, Consultant, Preserve Together
https://www.preservetogether.com/about/
Sharon has worked in digital archives and preservation for nearly twenty years, starting as a digital archivist before spending more than a decade as Head of Workforce Development with the Digital Preservation Coalition. There she led the creation of resources such as the Novice to Know-How training courses and the Digital Asset Register Toolkit on behalf of The National Archives (UK), as well as the Digital Preservation Competency Framework. She is now a consultant and training lead with Preserve Together.
Booking and delegate fee: Free
The closing date for Eventbrite bookings is Wednesday 25th February 2026. Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Please book your place here before Wednesday 25th February 2026 by 2.00pm
Explore Our Archives Event with ARA Cymru at Chester Cathedral
Explore Our Archives Event with ARA Cymru at Chester Cathedral
In-person: Friday, 13th February 2026 from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm
ARA members free to attend and non members £15 - Book your place here
Join ARA Cymru at Chester Cathedral and explore; connect with like-minded professionals; and enjoy tea & cake during this networking event.
Join ARA Cymru for an afternoon visit to Chester Cathedral, one of the most significant cultural centres in the UK. With origins dating back over 1,000 years, the Cathedral has stood as a place of worship, learning, and heritage through the Saxon, Norman, and medieval periods to the present day. Today, it remains an architectural and cultural landmark in the heart of Chester.
The Cathedral’s collections span three main areas: objects, library, and archive. Chester Cathedral’s Library holds over 5,000 volumes relating to the Cathedral, its clergy and community, the wider local area, and the study of theology. Together, these collections offer a rich insight into the Cathedral’s historical, religious, and civic significance.
This event will provide exclusive opportunities to explore both the Cathedral and the Library while also offering plenty of time to network and catch up with fellow archive and heritage professionals. We’ll end the afternoon with refreshments in the Cathedral café.
Itinerary:
1:00pm – Arrive at the West Front where we’ll be divided into two groups
1:00–2:00pm – Group 1: Library visit | Group 2: Cathedral tour
2:00–3:00pm – Group 2: Library visit | Group 1: Cathedral tour
3:00–4:00pm – Refreshments and time for a catch-up with all attendees
** Any dietary requirements please get in touch with ARA Cymru’s Training and Event Officer by 30th January, 2026: ARAW.TO1@archives.org.uk
Using a Digital Asset Register to support digital preservation planning and advocacy
Using a Digital Asset Register to support digital preservation planning and advocacy
Trainer: Simon Wilson
Online - Tuesday 10th February 2026 – 10:00-11:30am
ARA South East and London is hosting two online training events delivered by Simon Wilson. Attendees are welcome to attend either session independently or join both.
A digital asset register can be a key tool to manage both digitised and born-digital material.
With some appropriate adaptations it can also be a key tool in monitoring and tracking tasks and activities relating to the digital assets in your care.
10.00 Welcome
10.05 Intellectual control
10:10 Using a digital asset register
10:45 Talking about digital preservation with ICT colleagues
11:05 Next steps
11:10 Q&A
11:30 Close
The session is designed to encourage and inspire attendees to use a digital asset register to secure intellectual control and to proactively use it as the basis for monitoring and planning future tasks and activities. There is no assumed knowledge or pre-requisite for this session. The main session will be recorded but not the Q&A session to encourage questions and open discussion.
Participants will learn:
The importance of intellectual control as a key first step in your digital preservation activities
How to use a digital asset register and adapting it to meet your organisation’s specific needs and scenarios
How to use your digital asset register to monitor and plan activities and tasks relating to digitised and born-digital material in your collections
How to use your digital asset register to engage ICT colleagues about your current and future requirements including the limitations of cloud collaboration platforms
Programme
10.00
Welcome
10.05 – 10:10
Intellectual control
What it is and how it might support future activities
10:10 – 10:45
Using a digital asset register
What it is; how to adapt a digital asset register to meet your specific needs and requirements
10:45 – 11:05
Talking about digital preservation with ICT colleagues
With ICT being key stakeholders, looking at how we use the data from the DAR and the limitations of cloud collaboration platforms
11:05 – 11:10
Next steps
Next steps and pointers to key resources
11:10 – 11:30
Q&A
Simon Wilson is a registered archivist with over 30 years of experience of working across the Higher Education, local government and museum sectors. As an Archives Consultant he has supported individuals and organisations to take their first steps to manage digital archives bringing a practical perspective to these particular challenges and opportunities.
Booking and delegate fee: £10 for ARA members. £20 non-members
Please book your place before Tuesday 3rd February 2026.
If you have any further questions about this event, please get in touch with the South East and London region at: arasoutheastandlondon@archives.org.uk
Dealing with imposter phenomenon
Dealing with imposter phenomenon
Trainer: Sarah Wickham, FARA
Training will be delivered on:
Online - Thursday 29th January 2026 - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone—and you’re not an imposter. Many archivists, conservators and records managers experience self-doubt at some point in their working life. This workshop will offer a range of different evidence-based approaches to help manage feelings of self-doubt and imposter phenomenon, and increase personal resilience.
Overview of course content
What are self-doubt and “imposter phenomenon”?
Systemic and environmental influences
Tools and techniques
Course learning outcomes
Understand the experience of “imposter phenomenon” and where it comes from
Investigate practical strategies for managing self-doubt at work
Build confidence and resilience
Delivery
This half-day course (3.5 hours) will be delivered online via Zoom.
The course will be very interactive, with individual and small group activities. Because of the nature of content, confidentiality will be required, and the training will not be recorded. You do not have to share anything you are not comfortable with, but bear in mind you will be asked to reflect on your own experience of imposter feelings.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency framework;
Working with people
Developing self and others
Performance and impact
About our trainer: Sarah Wickham FARA is a highly experienced senior professional archivist and information manager. She is an accredited coach, with extensive experience across all areas of the UK archive and information management sector. Sarah brings her experience of working with numerous people and organisations through consultancy and mentoring, and her role as apprenticeship tutor.
Booking and delegate fee: £40 for ARA members, £80 corporate members, £100 non-members
Please book your place here by Tuesday 27th January 2026
Joining instructions will be sent 24 hours before the start date.
Call for Papers Webinar
Join us on Wednesday 28 January at midday for a 45 minute webinar and Q&A on submitting a paper for our 2026 conference.
The webinar will include:
Introduction to the conference committee from our conference Chair (Annie Starkey)
Our conference programme team (Katie Proctor and Carly Randall) will give short presentations on what they are hoping to see in relation to our 2026 theme
Our conference organiser (Madalina Marincas from Opening Doors and Venues) will talk through the three format types (Individual Presentation, Panel, Workshop) and give an overview of the submission process
This will be followed by plenty of time for Q&A
You can book your free place for the webinar here.
If you can’t make the event you can watch a step by step video tutorial of how to log into and submit via the EventsAir portal here.