Senior Registrar

NHS Connecting for Health; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent government archive is seeking a Senior Registrar to manage registrar processes for touring exhibitions. You will ensure compliance with international standards and handle complex loan arrangements. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and relevant educational background. This role offers a salary of £39,567 per annum, with a generous benefits package and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Pension

Onsite gym

Training and development opportunities

Annual leave of up to 30 days

Qualifications

• Graduate with strong knowledge of collections management and loans/exhibitions planning.
• Extensive knowledge of legal frameworks around loans and loan processes.
• Expert knowledge of registrar practices for valuable collections.

Responsibilities

• Shape and evaluate registrar procedures for touring and regional programmes.
• Take ownership of external loan processes.
• Ensure timely completion of all loan and exhibition documentation.

Skills

Strong problem-solving ability

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong initiative and organisational skills

Ability to prioritise work

Effective negotiation skills

Education

Graduate in Conservation, Art History, Museum Studies or equivalent experience

Diploma in Law and Collections Management (desirable)

Tools

MS Office proficiency

Job description

Overview

The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, holding over 1,000 years of the nation’s history. We are shaping a future-focused vision under Archives for Everyone: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. This is a fixed term appointment for 2 years at Band F / Senior Executive Officer, with a salary of £39,567 per annum. Closing date: Wednesday 8 October 2025 at midnight.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Registrar to join the Collections Care Department for a two-year fixed term appointment. The primary purpose of this role is to shape the registrar processes for the expanding touring programme, and to deliver registrar responsibilities within the established loans and exhibition programme onsite at The National Archives, nationally, and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Shape, develop and evaluate registrar procedures for The National Archives’ expanding touring and regional programme in line with current international standards and optimising the use of our resources.
• Take ownership of external loans (in and out) in line with Collection Care’s Strategy.
• Appraise the Head of Collection Care and, if necessary, the Chief Executive and Keeper, of any matters of organisational importance arising throughout any loan process.
• Ensure that all aspects of the loans and exhibitions programme, including assessment of conditions at borrowing institutions, drafting contracts and contractual negotiations, preparatory work for display, security and transport of items are carried out to tight deadlines and in line with current international standards.
• Independently solve complex problems, applying expert degree of technical expertise, judgement, innovation and adaptability and negotiate the resulting decisions with peers and stakeholders within and beyond The National Archives.
• Ensure all documentation is carried out according to departmental procedures and in line with international standards.
• Work with colleagues within The National Archives to enhance relationships and encourage best preservation and exhibition practice.
• Assess and manage risks to The National Archives’ collections in accordance with professional guidelines and standards (Government Indemnity Scheme, Museums Association, UKRG, ICON and Collections Trust).
• Contribute to the overall improvement of knowledge and skills within the department by developing and implementing new thinking and approaches to caring for archival collections.
• Retain up-to-date knowledge of developments relating to Government Indemnity, Immunity from Seizure, Known Consignor, art transport, security and display considerations, and other matters relating to exhibitions organisation; take a proactive part in personal and professional development.
• Provide professional advice and guidance on the care of highly valuable or iconic archival collections, in particular whilst on loan.
• Actively communicate the care and management of archives and the outcomes of projects across The National Archives and to a wider professional community through articles, workshops, meetings and seminars.

Working Arrangements

• Full time post. Part-time, flexible working and job share requests will be considered, taking into account operational needs.
• Combination of onsite and home working is available; regular travel to the Kew site is expected for a minimum of 60% of working time.

Application Process

• Interview: Interviews will be held on-site, week commencing 27 October 2025.
• Personal Statement: Submit work history details and a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words.

Selection for interview will be based on the essential requirements in the job description. AI may be used as a tool to support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of the application and possible disciplinary action.

Sponsorship

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Role and Requirements

• Shape, develop and evaluate registrar procedures for expanding touring and regional programme in line with current international standards and optimal use of resources.
• Take ownership of external loans (in and out).
• Assess and communicate matters of organisational importance arising throughout loan processes.
• Ensure timely completion of all loan and exhibition documentation, contracts, negotiations, display prep, security and transport in line with standards.
• Provide professional advice on care of valuable or iconic collections, particularly while on loan.
• Communicate outcomes and share knowledge across the organisation and professional community.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment; Display Screen Equipment user.
• Regularly moving items up to 10 kg and occasionally heavy documents (over 25 kg) using equipment; training will be provided.
• May involve evening or weekend work and national/international travel.

Person Specification

Essential

• Graduate in Conservation, Art History, Museum Studies or equivalent experience with strong knowledge of collections management and loans/exhibitions planning.
• Extensive knowledge of Government Indemnity Scheme, legal frameworks around loans, and loan processes.
• Expert registrar practice knowledge with ability to develop innovative care, display and transport approaches for valuable collections.
• Strong problem-solving ability and professional judgement; capable of leading a team to deliver outcomes to tight deadlines.
• Strong initiative, organisational skills, and ability to prioritise work; excellent written and verbal communication skills; effective negotiation at all levels.
• Proficiency with IT systems including MS Office; ability to adapt to new technologies.

Desirable

• Experience developing or delivering touring programmes.
• Diploma in Law and Collections Management or willingness to pursue.
• Excellent IT, numeracy, data management and presentation skills.

Benefits

Generous benefits package including pension, onsite gym, facilities, training and development opportunities. Annual leave: 22 days rising to 25 after first year, up to 30 days after six years; 10.5 public and privilege holidays.

Note: Move to The National Archives may affect childcare vouchers eligibility. See government schemes for alternatives.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require changes to apply, contact The National Archives via [e-mail] and indicate needs in the application form. Reasonable adjustments are provided to support the recruitment process.

Security and Nationality

• Disclosure and barring checks required; basic personnel security standard checks for roles with government assets.
• Nationality requirements apply as specified by the Civil Service.

Contact

• Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team
• Email: [e-mail]