Embedding Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Practice in UK Archive Sector

Introduction

Our series of seven free, pre-recorded presentations allow you to move through the training at your own pace. Part 1 introduces key issues and concepts. Part 2 builds on this knowledge, offering practical steps to embed inclusive practice in your workplace. Copies of the Powerpoint presentations are included as separate downloads, so you can access the links to additional content. Each session ends with quizzes and case studies to help embed your learning.

The trainer

Dr Kirsty Fife has background working in the UK archive sector (outreach, digitisation and project management). They have an MA Archives and Records Management and PhD in Information Studies from UCL. Kirsty is a lecturer in Digital Information and Curatorial Practice in Manchester Metropolitan University’s iSchool.

Part 1: Introduction to Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Archive Sector

This training introduces the subject with a specific focus on archive and records management services. The module assumes no (or little) existing knowledge and is accessible to workers at any level, including those looking to refresh their knowledge in this area. Participants are introduced to legal frameworks for equality, diversity and inclusion, policy in the archive sector, and sector-specific schemes that have sought to have a positive impact in this area. The final module outlines resources and training opportunities to support improving practice, focusing on free/low budget options for further professional development.

Part 1 is divided into three pre-recorded presentations, which can be watched at the pace of participants. Each presentation concludes with either a link to an asynchronous quiz or a short self-directed task to test learning and encourage reflection.

Learning outcomes

After completing the presentations you will be able to:

  • Understand definitions of a series of key terms and the background context for increased interest in equality, diversity and inclusion work

  • Identify and understand relevant UK legislation and schemes in equality, diversity and inclusion (e.g, access to work, reasonable adjustments)

  • Become more familiar with relevant archive sector policy and historical initiatives to take action in this area

  • Identify opportunities for developing their knowledge through future development

  • Feel empowered to discuss potential changes to service practice

Presentation 1: The external context of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion

This session  includes definitions of relevant terms (equality, equity, diversity, inclusion); a review of current legislation (Equality Act (2010), public service equality duty); public and private sector equality frameworks; common organisational equality, diversity and inclusion concerns/issues (identified in literature). Also discusses workforce demographics, pay gaps, unconscious bias, organisational culture, access to leadership and potential outcomes/responses (from published case studies) such as increased understanding of and reputation with specific communities.

Follow up links for Presentation 1:

Knowledge check https://kahoot.it/challenge/002856631

Presentation 2: Exploring equality, equity, diversity and inclusion in the UK archive sector

This session asks us to consider  where we stand right now. Why should workers in the sector build more knowledge? Which areas of archival practice are relevant to equality, diversity and inclusion? It also discusses contested histories, improving accessibility of public services; emphasis on building representative and diverse collections; increased emphasis on care/emotional labour in service delivery; post covid-shifts in digital access (and digital inequity) (including programming); current relevant policy/strategy and existing actions (programming, workforce development, strategy/policy and evaluations to date)

Follow up links for Presentation 2:

Knowledge check https://kahoot.it/challenge/009044890

Presentation 3: Developing existing practice

This session includes the following topics: identifying/learning from existing guidance available in record keeping and allied sectors (e.g. museums), opportunities/recommendations for free/low budget training to develop knowledge; existing sector networks and schemes (e.g. ARA diversity allies); reviewing your service’s existing practice; identifying potential changes

Part 2: Embedding inclusive practice in your service

This training is aimed at participants who either have existing knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion in the sector, or who have undertaken the training module Introduction to Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Archive Sector.

The workshop focuses on common functions within archive sector organisations and has a more practical focus than the previous introductory module. The training aims to leave participants equipped with a better understanding of practical steps that can be taken to embed inclusive practice in workflows across their organisation.

Part 2 is divided into four pre-recorded presentations, which can be watched at the pace of participants. Each presentation concludes with either a link to an asynchronous quiz or a short self-directed task to test learning and encourage reflection.

Learning outcomes:

After completing the presentations you will be able to:

  • Understand definitions of a series of key terms and their relevance in the archive sector

  • Identify applications of inclusive practice in the archive sector

  • Evaluate their applicability within your archive service

Presentation 1: Introduction and key terms

This session considers key terms (equality, equity, intersectionality); why inclusive practice in archives? Networks and opportunities for future development; access and use of records (search room facilities, exhibitions, programming, training staff, user support, digital accessibility); standards relevant to access and use of records;

Follow up links for Presentation 1:

Test your knowledge by completing this short quiz on Kahoot (Slide 18)

Presentation 2: Access and use of records

This session includes accessibility in the search room; facilities (e.g. toilets, cafes); training staff; user support; website accessibility; exhibitions; programming.

Follow up links for Presentation 2:

Test your knowledge by completing this short quiz on Kahoot.

Presentation 3: Collections management and development

Topics include; cataloguing (e.g. offensive terms in descriptions; participatory models of description; subject tagging); collections development (building representative collections through targeted collecting); digitisation (ethics-led approaches); deposit arrangements.

Presentation 4: Service management

This session includes cataloguing (e.g. offensive terms in descriptions; participatory models of description; subject tagging); collections development (building representative collections through targeted collecting); digitisation (ethics-led approaches); deposit arrangements.

References

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The National Archives (n.d.) The National Archives - Risk Assessment. The National Archives. The National Archives. [Online] [Accessed on 20th April 2023] https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/advice-and-guidance/running-your-organisation/inclusion/resources/risk-assessment/.

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Wellcome Collection (2018) Collections Development Policy, 2018-2023. London: Wellcome Collection. Available at: https://wellcomecollection.cdn.prismic.io/wellcomecollection%2F6438039a-7787-4fcb-9a09-8774b1d7e808_wellcome+collection_collections+development+policy_march+2018.pdf (Accessed: 1 December 2022).

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