Records Manager

Summary
We are the public body that looks after England's historic environment. We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.
Historic England have a fantastic opportunity for you to join us as our Records Manager as part of our Information and Records Management team.
Working within the Information and Records Management team within the Information Management & Technology (IMT) Department you will lead on Historic England's compliance with Public Records legislation as well as ensure best practice records management of the physical files.
You will lead on for the operational management of the Registry and off-site records storage service, leading on the development and maintenance of the corporate retention schedule, designing and implementing processes to ensure the retention policy is embedded in operational practice.
This role encompasses engagement with staff across the organisation to ensure the true value of our records are understood in respect of our appraisal and selection criteria, as well as the mapping of digital records relating to key points in our history in order to ensure they are preserved and made accessible to the public and future generations.
What you will be doing
Provision of expert advice and support to Historic England staff on information and records management issues to ensure that we fulfil our legal obligations as a Public Records Body, and in line with best practice in the information management field. Line manage the Records & Information Management Assistant and be responsible for their development and training. Management and oversight of the on-site Registry office and off-site records storage contract service, including monitoring of processes and performance for deposit of new records, retrievals, deliveries, disposal and any relevant procurement. Lead on the development of the appraisal and selection policy. Undertake research on the history of Historic England and predecessor organisations including engaging with heritage professionals in order to understand and record the context in which records have been created. Design and implement processes for the application of the new retention schedule to business areas and systems. Oversee the systematic review of records series and legacy records, mapping against Historic England selection and appraisal criteria to apply risk-based retention and disposal decisions in readiness for transfer to a permanent place of deposit. Lead on a review and update of the corporate retention schedule in line with the functional Business Classification Scheme, including consultation with key stakeholders to ensure that retention periods are agreed and maintained in line with relevant legislative requirements, and that selection and appraisal criteria are incorporated into the retention policy. Lead on liaison with the Historic England Archive to ensure appraisal and selection decisions are consistent with the Archive collecting policy and to ensure that records are transferred to the HE Archive as an approved place of deposit where appropriate. Liaise with The National Archives on the transfer of our public records, ensuring that our selection and transfer processes follow TNA guidance and methodologies. Develop project plans, working with 3rd parties where appropriate, including resource estimates, for undertaking physical preparation, sensitivity review, cataloguing and transfer of records to The National Archives. Lead on sensitivity reviews in consultation with relevant colleagues to ensure consistent application of exemptions and exceptions, and preparation of applications to the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives for closure or retention of records as appropriate. Design and Implement processes for the disposal of records which have not been selected for transfer and which have passed their review date. Act as the system owner for the physical records management IT system with responsibility for the system's ongoing administration, capture of actions and appraisal and selection decisions to ensure accurate recording and reporting, and ensuring users have the necessary guidance and training. Provide and disseminate regular management reports to demonstrate progress including metrics on files series reviewed, disposals and completion of the annual Information Management Report. Act as a champion for information and records management across the organisation, contributing to the better management of corporate digital information. Who we are looking for
A qualification or appropriate experience in Archives and / or Records Management with sound knowledge of risks and issues around the management and preservation of physical records within the public records environment. Demonstrable knowledge or experience of developing a corporate retention schedule and implementation of disposal processes. Understanding or experience of team and/or line management, effective motivation skills and techniques, understanding the nuances of business as usual tasks, aptitude for and pro-active problem-solving. Practical experience of records policy development, including appraisal and selection methodologies, sensitivity review requirements and transfer methodologies to make the records available to the public. Good communication, planning and prioritisation skills with experience of managing conflicting tasks, ensuring deadlines are met, influencing and communicating effectively with stakeholders and customers. We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having just won the Gold Award from MIND, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don't prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal circumstances. We also want to provide you with the best balance in your home and work life that we can.
We are open to considering options including job sharing, part-time working, compressed hours working and different working locations, including hybrid working. Please visit our jobs pages or contact us to find out more.
Why work for Historic England
We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive pension scheme starting at 28% contributions, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.
We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to support our work. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and candidates with disabilities as they are underrepresented within Historic England at this level.
Historic England want all of our candidates to shine in the recruitment process. Please tell us what we can do to make sure you can show us your very best self. You can contact us by email at if you have any recruitment queries.
To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process for everyone the use of AI or automated tools is not permitted.
Interview dates: 22nd May 2024 - Virtual via Microsoft teams.
Please follow the link for a full copy of the Job Description -