Launch of ARA International Group

At the Archives and Records Association we are always looking for ways to improve the benefits we offer to our members and regularly review what we offer. In a recent review we identified an opportunity to add value for our International Members through an International Group that would function in the same way as our current National and English Region groups.

The setting up of such a group was approved at the Board Meeting on 20th November 2023. Chloe Anderson Wheatley who is Corporate Records & National Archives Manager for the Falkland Islands Government (and who has been instrumental in setting up the group) will act as interim Chair.

The main purpose of the group will be to provide a focal point and a forum for UK and Irish recordkeeping professionals working overseas and for overseas recordkeeping professionals working to UK or Irish standards (or aspiring to do so).

As well as providing a focal point there will also be opportunities to share experiences and best practice and discuss shared knowledge of working internationally – often in geographically remote areas. Once the committee of the group is formed it will look to provide and share training and learning opportunities, develop case studies and communicate regular updates regarding the Archives and Records Association and the recordkeeping sector in UK and Ireland (including information about best practice, standards, sector news or updates). There will also, in due course, be opportunities to collaborate with other ARA Sections and Groups.

A full draft Terms of Reference is available here.

To be a member of the ARA International Group you will need to be a member of ARA (as any category of member).  There are no restrictions on numbers.

You can find out about joining ARA here. You can find out about all the additional benefits of ARA membership here.

Whilst non-ARA members will be welcome to attend some training events (if spaces are available) they will be asked to pay an increased attendance fee compared to members.

The Group is now looking for an interim committee with the following specific roles:

Treasurer

Secretary

Training Officer

Comms Officer

You can find general information on these roles in our ‘Why Be?’ guides here.

As Chair, Chloe would also be very happy to hear from anyone who would like to join the committee as a general ‘without portfolio’ member.

All individuals for the first year will be co-opted to the Committee until confirmed and voted in the AGM in the UK Spring (July/August).

If you would like to volunteer for the Committee please email: international@archives.org.uk

Please note that this group is not intended to compete with existing overseas associations or the work of the International Council on Archives.