Dear Colleagues

ARA is developing a Framework of Competencies for archivists, records managers and conservators.

A Framework of Competencies is defined as a ‘comprehensive overarching specification of performance that sets out the skills and knowledge required at all levels in order to operate effectively in the workplace’.

The aim of the Framework is to support CPD for ARA members and is expected to help individuals, managers and organisations to identify and develop the skills and knowledge necessary in order to be able to operate effectively across a spectrum of workforce activities throughout a career. It also reflects ARA’s aspiration to empower improvement in its members’ performance and act as a benchmark for comparison with sister professions.

During the early part of this project I have visited a number of regions to discuss the Framework and to circulate a questionnaire in order to get members’ views.  To date I have had approximately 80 responses which have contributed hugely to informing my thinking about how to develop it further.

In order to give everyone an opportunity to have their say the questionnaire is now available on survey monkey.  There are only 10 questions but your responses to these, together with any comments you might make are earnestly solicited! I am particularly looking for responses from records managers and conservators as these are under represented at the moment. It is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ARACompetencies

Before completing the questionnaire you may find it useful to look at my powerpoint presentation as it gives some background information that you might find useful.  This is available on the ARA website at http://www.archives.org.uk/latest-news/big-vision-cpd-work-underway.html

Many thanks

Caroline Williams

Caroline Williams, BA, RMARA

Independent Archival Consultant

Senior Research Fellow, University of Liverpool

Visiting Professor, Liverpool John Moores University

President, Archives and Records Association