Assistant Archivist in London

Location: London
Salary: Hidden
Recruiter: The Church of England
Job Hours: Unknown

Our aim is for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute.

Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

Lambeth Palace Library, founded in 1610, is the historic library and record office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Following the merger with the Church of England Record Centre in 2020 it is now the principal repository for the archives not only of the Archbishop of Canterbury but also of the National Church Institutions in London.

It is freely open for public use, serving as a research centre specialising in ecclesiastical history, but with far wider-ranging archive, manuscript and printed collections, dating from the 9th century to the present day and encompassing everything from medieval manuscripts and early printed books through to modern archives and digital records.

The Library's vision is to collect, preserve and make accessible the memory of the Church of England, so that its cultural and religious history can be explored and enjoyed by all.

Further details may be found on the Library’s website: This is an excellent opportunity to join Lambeth Palace Library, the National Library and Archive of the Church of England, as an Assistant Archivist.

As Assistant Archivist you will support the vision and mission of the Library by contributing to the description, interpretation and promotion of the Library’s collections of archives and manuscripts for the benefit of internal and external users.

The focus of the role will be on the Library’s outstanding collection of medieval and early modern manuscripts (up to 1830), however you will also work with more recent material when needed.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 13th January 2022.

In return we offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The RoleCataloguing records using CALM for Archives software, for web delivery via the Library’s online catalogue.

This may include sorting, arranging, appraising and describing manuscripts and archives.

Engaging with our readers and researchers to promote the use of the collections, for example supervising the Reading Room on a rota basis (with responsibility for security while on duty there) and answering enquiries.

Participating in, and where necessary delivering, role appropriate outreach and engagement activities to support the Library’s vision to be accessible to all.

Improving role appropriate collections knowledge through regular continuing professional development activities.

Working with colleagues to ensure the security and safe use of the collections.

Carrying out any other duties as required.

The RequirementsEssentialSkills/Aptitudes:Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

Good oral and written communication skills.

An interest in, and enthusiasm for, historical library and archive collections.

Knowledge/Experience:Experience of working with manuscripts and archives from the medieval and/or early modern periods.

Experience of cataloguing using archive management systems, preferably CALM for Archives.

Familiarity with current descriptive and authority standards.

Experience of involvement in a wide range of outreach activities to promote heritage collections, including exhibitions, digital media and public talks.

Experience of reading room/public service work.

Demonstrable knowledge of British history in the medieval and/or early modern periods, with an interest in ecclesiastical history.

An awareness of the conservation requirements of archives and manuscripts.

Personal Attributes:Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with internal and external users.

Ability to work unsupervised and as a member of a team.

Ability to organise own work and prioritise duties.

Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.

Ability to work methodically and accurately showing attention to detail.

Ability to work to agreed standards.

Education:Good level of education including an honours degree or equivalent, preferably in history.

Professional qualification in archives management or equivalent experience.

Good knowledge of Latin and palaeography.

Circumstances: Ability to handle items in diverse formats and conditions as necessary to the role in accordance with procedures relating to manual handling and working at height.

DesirableKnowledge/Experience:Experience of digitisation projects.

Awareness of current initiatives for describing and promoting access to medieval and early modern manuscripts.

Experience of working with medieval illuminated manuscripts.

Understanding of medieval art history.

We in the National Church Institutions support the mission and ministries of the Church all over England.

We work with parishes, dioceses (regional offices), schools, other ministries and our partners at a national and international level.

Excellence, Respect, IntegrityAs a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.

As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, we welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and to ensuring that everyone, job applicants, customers and other people with whom we deal, are treated fairly and not subject to discrimination.

We will do whatever is necessary to provide genuine equality of opportunity.

We continuously review our policies and processes to support our aim to create a workforce as diverse as the nation the Church of England serves..


Related jobs near me

About The Church of England


We're a Christian presence in every community. The Church of England plays a vital role in the life of the nation, proclaiming the Christian gospel in words and actions and providing services of Christian worship and praise.

Our network of parishes cover the country, bringing a vital Christian dimension to the nation as well as strengthening community life in numerous urban, suburban and rural settings. Its cathedrals are centres of spirituality and service, and its network of chaplaincies across continental Europe meet important local needs.

The Church of England plays an active role in national life with its members involved in a wide range of public bodies. Twenty-six bishops are members of the House of Lords and are engaged in debates about legislation and national and international affairs.

The Church of England is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

About London,

Population: 8,799,774 Train Stations: 333

Education Stats

  • Schools: 5659
    • Primary Schools: 3557
    • Secondary Schools: 1393
    • Sixth Forms: 795
  • 17% are independent
  • Ranking: 1/9
  • Top 20%

House Prices

  • Average House Price: £773,961
  • Compared to UK Average: +£399,319
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • Ranking: 1/9
  • Top 20%
  • -

Average Salary

Crime Stats

  • Crimes per 1000: 121
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • Ranking: 7/9
  • Bottom 40%
  • Worse than last year

The best places to find the most Assistant Archivist jobs

Average salary comparison

Job salary over time

Salaries by job level

Salary across the UK

Useful Resources:

CV template for a Assistant Archivist

View Now
CV template for a Assistant Archivist

Glassdoor Company Reviews

Search