Find More Than 71087+ Job Vacancy

Domesday Book. Shakespeare’s will. Tweets from Downing Street. War time records. These are just some of the 11 million items held by The National Archives. With a collection like this – the largest in the world – it’s no surprise that we handle between 5-10% of all Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received by the Government. As an FOI Researcher, you’ll have a great opportunity to work with closed historical records and make decisions regarding their access. As a MoD Access Service Advisor, you’ll work with military personnel records, carrying out research and responding to requests for open information held in this collection. Join us and you’ll work in an organisation that offers great support and exceptional benefits.

About the role

Working in a team of case handlers, supported by FOI/Access Managers, you will join one of two units within The National Archives:

• our FOI Centre, responding to requests in relation to closed historical information held by The National Archives. The role of FOI Researcher requires an individual capable of managing a heavy workload to ensure The National Archives meets its legal obligations under FOI. You will use knowledge of the FOI Act coupled with judgement and research skills to assess whether FOI exemptions apply and to make recommendations regarding the release of information; or
• our MOD Access team, managing FOI requests related to military personnel records, where you will develop a deep understanding of this unique collection, in order to respond to requests for access to open information. You will assist in coordinating, monitoring and tracking the requests and customer correspondence to ensure they are being processed appropriately and will assist case officers and Access Managers in ensuring all request data is managed properly

About you

Both roles require you to have good decision making and communication skills, as well as the ability to organise a potentially heavy, sensitive and demanding workload, working to tight deadlines. Some cases may be complex and/or of a highly personal and sensitive nature, which will require careful handling and escalation. You will therefore need to be flexible, organised and motivated in your approach to meet the demands of this role.

Join us here in beautiful Kew, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Overground and Underground stations, and you can expect an excellent range of benefits. They include a pension, flexible working and childcare vouchers, as well as discounts with local businesses (e.g. beauty salons and bars). We also offer wellbeing resources (e.g. on-site therapists) and have an on-site gym, restaurant, shop and staff bar.

This is a full time post. However, requests for flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site.

SC-level Security Clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance is mandatory for this role and requires that you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years. The length of required residency may depend on individual circumstances.

We would particularly like to encourage applicants from backgrounds currently underrepresented in archives, including those who identify as Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT+), from Black, Asian and minority ethnic cultural backgrounds, those who are neurodivergent, and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

How to apply:

To submit your application please click the 'Apply now' button on this page. You will be asked to write a personal statement and upload your CV. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section so please make full use of the 1250 word count.

SC-level Security Clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance is mandatory for this role and requires that you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years. The length of required residency may depend on individual circumstances.

Essential criteria:

• Demonstrate the ability to carry out research into records, analyse contents and summarise findings clearly and concisely
• Demonstrate ability to make decisions, using sound judgement, escalating issues as required
• Excellent team working skills and flexibility in approach to work
• Demonstrate high standard of communication, both written and verbal, with an excellent attention to detail
• Experience of working to tight deadlines and ability to work well under pressure
• Demonstrable experience of ICT skills including working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of the FOI Act and related legislation

Job contact :

Name :
The Recruitment Team
Email :
careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Telephone :
02039855979

Recruitment team :

Email :
careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk