ARA’s Member Benefits
The work of the record-keeping sector is vital to a democratic, inclusive and equitable society and as a member of the ARA you sit at the heart of the community and actively shape the future of the sector.
Join ARA today and become a part of our growing professional community – we are the only professional body in the UK and Ireland that represents the three record-keeping disciplines; archives, records management and archive conservation. Your membership subscription supports our continuing work in championing the sector, the work of our members and the value they provide to their employers, users and communities. Whether you work alone or are part of a small team, ARA membership connects you to a broader and deeper national network of knowledge and good practice. Work local, connect nationally.
ARA is a membership organisation that has time to support you
ARA prides itself on its ability to respond to individual member queries on a one-to-one basis with a named member of the staff team. We don’t have chat-bots, automated messages or long waits for a response. We are here to help you navigate the benefits ARA can offer and to help you in your career with advice and support that is specific to you and your circumstances – whether that’s finding a particular report on the website or fighting to keep your service open – we are here and ready to help. We are open to our members’ ideas and proactive in helping them take that forward when appropriate – for example with our new Environmental Sustainability Group.
Check out all our member benefits below:
How ARA Membership can improve your career prospects
ARA Membership can improve your career prospects through Professional Registration, training and learning resources, acquiring additional skills through volunteering, creating a great network across the sector, providing opportunities to publish articles and other content to enhance your professional reputation. Our communications keep you up to date with all the latest developments and offer opportunities to connect with others who can help you in your career. We also offer a free CV review if you are looking for work or to move jobs.
How your ARA membership supports the recordkeeping sector as a whole through advocacy and thought leadership
Your ARA Membership supports the recordkeeping sector as a whole through advocacy and thought leadership. We work to ensure that Governments - local, central and devolved - know the value of the recordkeeping sector and ensure that it is adequately supported with the resources it needs. We collaborate with other organisations across the sector to maximise the work we do. We also work with individual groups and sections on specific issues and can support individuals and individual services where their work is threatened.
A gateway to the whole of the recordkeeping sector
ARA members come from a wide range of roles – records managers, archivists, conservators, in a wide range of settings. The ability to network with this wide range of people is invaluable to anyone looking to step into a leadership role. Members can join their local region or nation and also a wide range of specialist groups and sections – sharing information and experience with others working in similar roles.
Dedicated one-to-one support for you
ARA members can always get some support when things get tough or, if, as a lone worker, you just need a sounding board. Peers from sections, groups, nations and regions offer informal support, ARA staff offer one-to-one support and New Professionals can sign up for Peer Pals, and those undertaking registration will have a mentor as part of that programme.
Keeps you up to date with what is going on in the sector
ARA membership keeps you up to date with what is going on in the sector – our publications keep your knowledge relevant and up to date on the latest thinking and developments in the sector and our bulletins alert you to events, funding opportunities and new initiatives.
Access to dedicated member funding
Gives you access to dedicated member funding – bursaries to help members attend our conference and overseas conferences, training funds, cost of living support funds for those struggling with the economic context, research grants. Being a member of ARA also gives you opportunities to get discounts and free training from our training partners and a hefty discount on our annual conference.