Self Employment Opportunity.

The British Association for Local History (BALH) is seeking someone to undertake the research and records co-ordination function for its Pauper Prisons....Pauper Palaces (the Midlands) project. This 24 month Heritage Lottery Funded project will allow c.100 local history volunteers to research and list/catalogue a discrete collection of poor law union correspondence from six unions across the midlands. 

Applicants will be expected to provide their own office facilities: PC/laptop, printer, telephone etc. Applications should be made by sending your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement setting out clearly how you meet the Key Skills and Abilities. Your application should be sent to Paul Carter, British Association for Local History at [log in to unmask] The deadline for applications is 30 April and the interviews will be held in London on 11th May. The project is expected to begin in late May 2012.

“PAUPER PRISONS… PAUPER PALACES (Midlands)”

Research and Records Coordinator

You will be expected to commit 1680 hours over a period of 2 years to ‘Pauper Prisons....Pauper Palaces (the Midlands)’, and must be prepared to work flexibly to meet the demands of the project.
The hourly rate will be £17.13 per hour. You will be expected to undertake this project as a self-employed contractor, and will therefore be responsible for your own tax and national insurance. 

KEY FUNCTIONS

To support and co-ordinate the work of 80-100 volunteer editors throughout the East and West Midlands, who will be researching, promoting (publication, conferences, talks etc.), cataloguing and digitising 47 volumes of nineteenth century 'Poor Law Correspondence' (series MH 12 at The National Archives). The catalogued data and images will then be made available online. To support publications, conference, talks and similar activities organised by the Project Director and agreed by the Project Board.

Main Tasks:

1.	To establish good working relationships with individuals and groups of volunteer editors, ensuring that there is regular and open communication.
2.	To establish and implement an evaluation framework for the project, in collaboration with the Project Director and report as appropriate to the Project Board.
3.	To provide training sessions and learning materials to the groups, to ensure consistently high standards of cataloguing.
4.	To provide accurate and prompt feedback to the volunteer editors about their work, and to identify future learning points.
5.	To project manage the cataloguing programme for each group, ensuring an appropriate flow of work and early identification of any issues.
6.	To co-ordinate the collection and analysis of quarterly information from the groups, with the Project Director, ensuring that accurate data is available to the Project Manager for HLF returns.
7.	To establish a regular programme of personal visits to the groups, responding to any issues they have raised.
8.	To act as the main interface between the groups and BALH, working proactively and seeking to resolve any issues (with BALH Project staff and BALH Project Board members) which impact on the project.
9.	To support and advise the volunteer group leaders, and help them resolve any local issues – e.g. additional volunteer recruitment.
10.	To keep volunteers motivated, and find ways of valuing and recognising their work.
11.	To support volunteer group leaders and others to build strong relationships with the local media.
12.	To support volunteer group leaders and others to build strong relationships with other local groups and organisations, as a platform for local outreach and education activities.
13.	To collate interesting stories, to feed into publicity for the project, and to help produce the regular newsletter for volunteers.
14.	To participate in BALH selected events and give talks and presentations at appropriate conferences and workshops to publicise the project.
15.	To assist the Project Director in running project research seminars and conferences.
16.	Other activities necessary to deliver the project effectively.

Key Skills and Abilities

Essential

1.	Experience of managing volunteer projects (with clear evidence of the ability to motivate volunteers).
2.	Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
3.	Good project management skills including time management and working to deadlines.
4.	IT skills and experience including familiarity with common applications.
5.	High levels of drive, energy and project ambition.
6.	Ability to absorb new information quickly, and communicate this effectively to others.
7.	Strong presentation skills.
8.	Willingness and ability to travel (including staying away from home).
9.	A strong eye for detail, and the ability to complete tasks to a high standard.
10.	Experience of developing outreach activities.
11.	A strong interest in modern British social history, and an ability to engage others in this.
12.	Intimate knowledge of nineteenth century Poor Law records held at The National Archives and in other local and specialist archives.

Qualifications required 

1.	Post-graduate qualification in archives or Modern British History.

Desirable

1.	Experience of dealing with the national and local media.
2.	Full driving current licence. 

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