The National Archives are looking to recruit a Head of Conservation & Treatment Development to build on the success of recent years and to further develop The National Archives' conservation treatment agenda.
The National Archives' Collection Care Department has a strong and growing reputation for its outstanding expertise in the conservation of archival collections. Looking after one of the largest and most important archival collections in the world, with documents from William the Conqueror to HM Queen Elizabeth lI, from Domesday to the Treaty of Versailles, from Shakespeare to Darwin, the conservation team provides up to date solutions to the most complex conservation problems.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated, very experienced, well respected, and creative expert to build on the success of recent years and to further develop The National Archives' conservation treatment agenda. You will build on the existing expertise within the department, drive innovation and firmly establish our team on the world stage of conservation.
Essential Criteria:
- Post-graduate conservation or heritage science qualification. Expert knowledge and extensive experience of conservation in a recognized capacity.
- Strong intellectual capacity and technical skills to engage conservation experts and scientists within and outside your own specialist field alongside high analytical and practical skills to effectively analyse and evaluate conservation approaches.
- Very strong problem-solving skills and creativity to address the most complex conservation problems and to develop innovative solutions whilst exploring new technological methods, particularly in documentation and knowledge sharing.
- Demonstrably strong ability to develop, manage and deliver high level conservation projects and to explore unchartered territory.
- Very strong networking, collaboration and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong links with senior staff at The National Archives and with university departments and the public alike.
- Sound judgement, critical thinking and decisiveness to drive The National Archives' conservation agenda.
- Extensive management skills and the ability to prioritise projects relating to their wider impact and to balance competing claims for resources.
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral and for different audiences and a track record of peer reviewed publications and presentations at international level.
Desirable criteria:
- Specific expertise in book and/ or paper conservation.
- Experience of teaching and mentoring.
- Experience of academic and/ or scientific research.
- Experience with the media
About the Role
Working in tandem with our Heritage Science Conservation Research, Conservation for Imaging, Preservation, and Collection Care Engagement teams, as well as relevant departments across the organisation, you will constantly benchmark our conservation practice against international standards and best practice. You will work closely with the Higher Education Sector and peers around the world to find ever new and innovative solutions to our complex conservation problems and you will expand our professional network to the benefit of the team's professional development and that of our collection.
A highly effective communicator, you will lead on The National Archives' conservation treatment programme, support our exhibition and public engagement agenda, and will push our publication output and presence at international conferences. Responsible for managing teams supporting the delivery of on-going conservation programmes, you will define priorities, manage risks, and will align the conservation programme with The National Archives' strategic plan.
As Head of Conservation and Treatment Development you will form part of Collection Care's Senior Management team, and you will assume strong leadership in the development and delivery of key strategic initiatives for the whole department in line with current and future objectives of The National Archives.
This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.
How to Apply
To view a full job description and submit your application please visit The National Archives Vacancies Site.
You will be asked to upload your CV and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section.
Please note: anonymised recruitment is standard for roles across the Civil Service. However, due to the nature of this role and the information required in the selection process, please disregard any requests to anonymise your application.
We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.