Archives and Records Association (ARA)

Overview

The Archives and Records Association (ARA) is the professional membership body for archivists, records managers and archive conservators across the UK and Ireland. Based at The Keep in Taunton, the ARA represents professionals dedicated to the preservation, management and discovery of historical records, documents and archival collections. Whether you work in traditional archives, manage organisational records, conserve historic materials or are entering the profession, the ARA provides a recognised professional community and establishes professional standards for archival practice in both the public and private sectors.

Who Should Join?

The ARA is relevant to a diverse range of professionals working with records, archives and historical materials:

• Archivists — professionals who appraise, catalogue, preserve and provide access to archival collections in libraries, local studies services, universities, national archives and specialist repositories
• Records managers — professionals managing organisational records, information governance, retention schedules and compliance across public and private sector organisations
• Archive conservators — conservation specialists responsible for the preservation and restoration of documents, photographs, maps and other archival materials
• Information professionals — librarians and information managers with responsibility for archives and special collections
• Archive technicians and support staff — professionals providing technical and operational support within archive services
• Students and early-career professionals — individuals training in archival studies or beginning their careers in the archives and records sector
• Repository managers and leaders — archive service directors and managers leading institutions and teams
• Organisations and institutions — local authorities, universities, heritage organisations, corporate entities and other institutions seeking professional guidance on records management and archival practice

Membership is open to individuals and organisations working in or supporting the archival and records management sector across the UK and Ireland. The ARA recognises different levels of professional experience and provides membership pathways suited to students, early-career professionals, experienced practitioners and organisations.

Why Join?

Membership of the ARA connects you to the established professional community in your field and demonstrates professional commitment and standing. For individual archivists, records managers and conservators, the ARA provides a collective voice in shaping professional practice, influences standards and policy within your sector, and offers recognition of your expertise and credentials. For organisations and institutions, membership signals professional practice and provides access to sectoral expertise and guidance.

The archival and records management profession benefits significantly from professional association membership. The ARA helps members stay connected to evolving practice, understand regulatory and compliance requirements, access current thinking on preservation and access, and engage with peers facing similar challenges. For those early in their careers, membership provides a pathway to professional credibility and access to the established professional community. For experienced practitioners, it offers continued professional development and opportunities to contribute to the profession's future direction.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

Professional Development and Training — The ARA provides access to training, workshops and professional development opportunities to help members develop and maintain expertise in archival practice, records management, conservation, and emerging areas such as digital preservation and information governance.

Professional Recognition and Credentials — Membership demonstrates professional standing and commitment to archival practice. The ARA recognises professional qualifications and experience, and members can access routes to formal professional recognition within the sector.

Networking and Community — Members participate in a professional community spanning archivists, records managers and conservators across the UK and Ireland. Regular meetings, group activities and online forums provide opportunities to connect with peers, exchange knowledge and build professional relationships across the sector.

Events and Conferences — The ARA organises conferences, seminars, study days and events bringing together members to discuss current issues, emerging practice, research and developments in archival work and records management. These events offer learning opportunities, networking and exposure to sectoral expertise.

Publications and Knowledge Sharing — Members access publications, research, guidance documents and best-practice resources produced by the ARA and its specialist sections, covering areas such as conservation, digital archives, local studies, and records management across different sectors.

Technical Guidance and Advice — Members can access expert guidance on archival practice, records management standards, conservation approaches, digital preservation, metadata and other professional matters through the ARA's advisory services and specialist groups.

Specialist Interest Groups — The ARA operates specialist sections and groups focused on particular areas of archival practice, such as local studies, university archives, business records, conservation and digital preservation. Members can participate in communities aligned to their specialism or interests.

Career Development and Opportunities — Membership can support career progression and professional visibility within the sector. The ARA's connections and reputation help members build professional credibility and may provide awareness of career opportunities within the archival community.

Access to Professional Standards and Guidance — Members benefit from access to professional standards, codes of conduct and guidance documents that support professional practice and demonstrate commitment to recognised professional principles.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The ARA is the primary professional body representing the archival and records management sector across the UK and Ireland. The association plays a significant role in establishing and maintaining professional standards, influencing policy and practice within archives, records management and conservation. The ARA advocates for the profession, engages with government and regulatory bodies on matters affecting archival work and records management, and contributes to professional education and development across the sector.

As the recognised professional membership body, the ARA's standing reflects the profession's commitment to standards, ethics and ongoing professional development. Through its activities in research, standards development, advocacy and sectoral leadership, the ARA helps shape the future direction of archival practice and records management across the UK and Ireland. Membership connects individuals and organisations to this wider professional community and to the collective influence the profession exercises within the cultural, public and private sectors.