School Archivist

(10 hours per week, ideally split between two or three days)

Bedford Modern School (BMS) is looking for a part-time School Archivist. The post holder will be responsible for the management of the School Archive, including accessioning, cataloguing, preservation and interpretation of the school’s historic and current records, including some digitisation. The School Archivist will also answer enquiries relating to the school’s history and archive holdings and will provide specialist advice and guidance on their interpretation and use.

We use an ISAD(G)-compliant archive catalogue using AtoM and the process of sorting, cataloguing, repackaging and re-boxing the existing archive collection is an ongoing process although well underway. The postholder will continue cataloguing the remaining holdings and regular new accessions, in addition to working with departmental staff to ensure the transfer of more recent and future records to the Archive. Other related work will include repackaging the school’s artefact collection using appropriate conservation materials.

The successful candidate will have a professional archive management qualification, or substantial relevant experience, a thorough understanding of archival principles and be comfortable with archival collections in mixed formats: paper, film, and digital. The postholder will primarily work autonomously but should also work well as part of a team, able to collaborate productively, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. The School Archive benefits from regular help by a small number of OBM volunteers (former students), thus the ability to work with, and manage, that team will be essential.

The successful applicant will be a competent project manager with the proven ability to work to deadlines and plan and execute projects on time and within budget, including preparation for alumni events and other displays from time to time.

Finally, the post holder will also be an effective ambassador for the School Archive in all relationships necessary to support its objectives and be able to ensure that Bedford Modern School complies with its statutory responsibilities concerning archives in line with national standards and best practice.

In return, we can offer a friendly and supportive working environment, CPD opportunities available through our membership of the Harpur Trust, the option to be part of a private healthcare scheme, a generous pension scheme, free lunches (in term time) and free parking.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract employees that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 24 June

Interview: Thursday 27 June  

Further details and how to apply can be found on our website: https://www.bedmod.co.uk/job-opportunities/

Any internal candidates must apply through Employee Self Service.  Please see the guide in the company news area.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview.