Vacancy for Head of Records and Archives Engagement at National Records of Scotland

Vacancy for Head of Records and Archives Engagement at National Records of Scotland

Edinburgh

Full-Time

National Records of Scotland (NRS) is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government. The purpose of NRS is to collect, preserve, and produce information about Scotland's people and history, making it available to inform current and future generations. Our work underpins the fabric of Scottish society: telling the story of our nation.

Records and Archives Engagement branch is the outward-focused arm of Information and Record Services. Created in 2018, this branch centers on developing archive and recordkeeping practice and support, primarily across Scotland but also internationally. Our focus has been on creating and developing the infrastructure and vision for this area of NRS activity. We are now looking for someone to deliver on these plans and advance these ambitions.

The successful candidate will lead teams liaising with record holders who do not deposit their archives with NRS and with the wider archive and records management sectors. They will be responsible for leading and developing NRS's strategy, policy, and engagement on records management and archival issues, identifying and pursuing opportunities to raise standards and develop our expertise and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead liaison with the records management and archive sector at Scottish, UK, and international levels, and with record holders outside of NRS, on all matters concerning records and archive management, including providing advice, sharing good practice, and policy issues.
• Oversee the development and review of IRS' archive policies and practices, working closely with colleagues across NRS to contribute to the strategic development of NRS' archive functions.
• Implement the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 and explore its potential to enhance NRS' leadership role, increasing standards and developing expertise.
• Manage the activities of the Registrar of the National Register of Archives for Scotland and collaborate to develop its advisory and coordinating roles for NRS and the wider sector.
• Lead NRS' involvement with the UK Archive Service Accreditation Scheme, representing NRS on the UK Archive Accreditation Committee, and oversee submissions for accreditation renewal. Also, assess applications from Scottish archives and contribute to scheme development in Scotland.
• Build and strengthen collaborative relationships with national and international archive and record-keeping organizations to extend NRS's reach and impact, supporting sector development in Scotland.
• Collaborate with the Digital Records Unit to advise on digital records management for record holders outside NRS.
• Manage Records and Archives Engagement activities and budget, with direct line management of 4 B3 staff and around 15 team members, ensuring optimal resource use and effective communication both within NRS and externally.