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.
Our regional and national network
ARA operates in all four countries of the UK as well as in Ireland.
We have regional groups in most areas of England and in Ireland (covering Northern Ireland and Ireland), Scotland and Wales.
Regional groups usually have a combination of in-person and online or hybrid events - there is usually a training element to the events but they may also include a site visit or a social. You are allocated a region/nation when you join as a member.
You can find out more about our regional and national groups here.
Taking part in regional activity can build members’ networks and provide useful local information, volunteering for their region or nation can offer a range of additional skills and experience to add to their CV,
Our Sections and Groups
Our sections and groups provide an opportunity to connect with people working in similar contexts or with similar collections - for example Preservation and Conservation, Archives and Museums, Archives and Technology. We also have a number of working groups who work on a particular issue affecting the sector - for example Legislation and Standards, Security and Access and Environmental Sustainability.
As with regional and national groups the benefits to members are clear: networking, enhanced skills, knowledge sharing.
You can find out more about the Sections and Groups here.
ARA’s Conference and Events
Taking part in ARA’s Conference and other events provides an opportunity to meet with a wide range of people from across the sector - our New Professionals Bursary holder from the 2022 conference said of her experience:
“Looking back on the conference afterwards, I think the most valuable part was meeting records managers and conservators. These are areas of my work which I don't spend as much time on, so it was very useful to be able to talk to more experienced professionals.”
ARA Reports and Surveys
ARA’s Surveys Group runs a number of regular surveys looking at who uses your service.
The Distance Enquiry Survey
The Survey of Visitors to UK Archives
ARA is a lead member of a consortium that produces Workforce Mapping Surveys.
These surveys look at the workforce of the library, archives, records, information and knowledge sector and provide useful information at a strategic level. The 2022 Survey will be published in Summer 2023.
ARA’s regions and groups have also produced a number of reports covering topics such as:
Volunteering
Accessible Learning Toolkit
Diversity and Inclusion resources
Best Practice Guidelines on a range of topics
Competency Framework
The ARA’s competency framework is an essential career development tool for all those working and volunteering within the archives and conservation, records management and information profession. It also sets national competency standards in record keeping for the UK and Ireland. Each competency provides examples of how it can be achieved at any of five levels. The examples will help you understand your current level of experience, and help you plan the steps you need to take to progress your career to the next level.
Find out how the framework can help you develop your career and qualify for ARA professional registration here.