About
The Archives and Records Association (ARA) is the professional membership organisation for Archivists, Records Managers and Archive Conservators in the UK and Ireland, and those working internationally.
As the unified voice of the record-keeping sector, we champion the importance of archives and records in society. Our mission is to expand their care, accessibility, and meaningful use, bridging the gap between the past, present and future. We promote the highest professional standards through professional registration and continuing professional development.
ARA was established on 1 June 2010 through the merger of The National Council on Archives, the Association of Chief Archivists in Local Government and the Society of Archivists. Our membership consists of over 2000 individuals and organisations representing professionals working across the public, private, educational and charitable sectors.
We welcome all those working, studying or volunteering in archives, records management and archive conservation to our membership community.
More information on what we do can be found in our current strategy and annual report.
Get in Touch
Who’s Who at the ARA?
More than 450 volunteers support the day-to-day work of the ARA. The organisation is run by a small permanent staff team together with an elected Board of Trustees (twelve individual volunteer members).
Find out more about each of them and the best person to contact with your query.
ARA Conference 2025
The conference committee are now working on the 2025 ARA conference which will be held at Delta Hotels Bristol City Centre and Online on Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 August 2025.
If you have any questions relating to conference please send them to conference@archives.org.uk
More details about the conference will be posted on the ARA Conference website in due course.
