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