Head of Collections Research

The Head of Collections Research is a senior leader within the Research team of The National Archives (TNA)’s Research, Grants and Academic Engagement Department. They will work with the Head of Research, their team and colleagues across The National Archives to deliver excellent and ground-breaking research which enables new insights into our expertise and collections. They will define and implement a collections research strategy in line with our Research Vision and corporate strategy.
Drawing on their own collections or relevant subject expertise, they will lead, enable, conduct and disseminate pioneering research. They will work closely with colleagues and external collaborators to foster innovation in method and enquiry, within and across disciplines, that leads to world-class research in the understanding and dissemination of TNA’s collections.
Leading on building networks and communities that enable interdisciplinary collections research and unlock the potential of our collections in inclusive, disruptive and entrepreneurial ways, they will manage our strategic collections research programmes and contribute to the implementation of our Research Vision.
They will represent TNA nationally and internationally to cultural heritage and higher education audiences in the context of collections research, and play a key role in communicating collections research across TNA, including at senior and executive levels., If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
+ Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
+ Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

+ Doctorate or equivalent experience in collections or heritage research or a field relevant to TNA’s collections.
+ Proven record of strategic planning and securing funding for innovative and interdisciplinary collections research in the academic or heritage sector.
+ Ability to lead research projects as Principal or Co-Investigator, with experience of managing your own and others’ contributions to research projects, and of managing conflicting demands to deliver excellent research.
+ Recognised authority in collections, heritage or subject-area research, with a wide network of academic and heritage contacts.
+ Evidence of leadership and diplomacy, showing strong collaborative skills and working with efficient and effective delegation.
+ Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to forge and maintain relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, engendering trust and confidence to facilitate collaborative working, partnerships and co-operation, including at senior levels.
+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including in academic publications and when presenting to a range of stakeholders and audiences.
+ Ability to prioritise, to work independently and without supervision in a non-routine role, exercising judgment on when to consult colleagues, and to work well as part of an agile and busy team.
Desirable:
+ Experience of working in the broader heritage sector or in archives.
+ Experience of leading a team.
+ Knowledge of archival practice, environmental humanities, global histories and/or medical humanities.

The National Archives (TNA) is the official archive of the UK government and for England and Wales, making available to the public a vast collection of historical records dating back over 1,000 years. TNA is also an Independent Research Organisation (IRO): multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research into all aspects of our collections and activities is at the heart of what we do. Our Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department is charged with conducting, enabling, and promoting world-class research, often delivered in collaboration with external partners including experts from academic, other heritage organisations, government departments and the industry.
Within the beautiful surroundings of Kew, a 10-minute walk from the Underground and Overground stations, TNA boasts a collegial working environment and an excellent Civil Service benefits package. This includes flexible working, an on-site gym, wellbeing resources and an opportunity to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme. Putting you at the forefront of our organisation, we are committed to supporting professional development and training for all our colleagues.

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.
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., Alongside your salary of £50,489, The National Archives contributes £14,626 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development.
Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk