Charity and voluntary sector archives at risk: Conceptualising and contextualising a neglected archives sector
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Education, Practice & Society
Abstract
The archives and records of charities and voluntary organisations constitute a neglected resource. Without the legal protection of government records, they also lack the resources and networks that protect other private collections. Yet these archives help explain the significance of charities to society, past and present. They are sources of institutional identity and accountability and can give marginalised and disadvantaged individuals access to personal and collective memories. Drawing on qualitative research with charity leaders, this study explores archives and records management practices across the voluntary sector. It will produce a practical action plan to address identified challenges, propose improvements to support infrastructure and contribute to The National Archives' strategic vision.
The National Archives recognises archives are 'for everyone because they are about everyone - past, present and future'. The archives and records of voluntary organisations, campaigning bodies and community groups are central to this story, not least because they often preserve the histories of marginalised and disenfranchised individuals and communities whose voices can go unheard. This includes the UK's BAME communities; LGBT+ individuals and groups; people with disabilities or ill health; as well as communities marginalised in myriad ways through poverty and other inequalities. High-profile inquiries into the history of public, corporate and charitable bodies have highlighted the evidential value of records. People need to have confidence in the integrity of institutions and organisations need to be open and transparent. For voluntary organisations, opening archives is key to building trust and improving accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and local communities. Through their records they can give individuals access to personal memories and community heritage. As well as a window to the past, archives inform and support an organisation's present activities and priorities. These records are vital assets, essential for researchers - and the wider public - to understand the significance of voluntary organisations to society, past and present.
However, charity archives have long been under the radar, under-resourced and consequently at risk. Charity archives are supported by The National Archives' Sector Development department, but its work would benefit from more in-depth evidence-based knowledge of this diverse sector which will enable The National Archives to prioritise key issues and interventions. This research is both timely and original, and links directly to The National Archives 'strategic objectives to support and develop the sector. We expect the successful student candidate to be able to mould the project to their own research interests, but indicative research questions are:
1. How can we map, conceptualise and account for archives and records management practices across the voluntary sector in England? What does this diverse archive landscape look like? What structural approaches are taken to capture, preserve and provide access to records?
2. What are the key challenges facing the sector, and how do these vary by factors including charity purpose/subsector, income, staffing, geographical remit etc?
3. In what ways do voluntary organisations draw on their archives and records to address current organisational priorities or societal concerns? How can they be supported to do so?
4. What further support can The National Archives' Sector Development department offer this sector?
The National Archives recognises archives are 'for everyone because they are about everyone - past, present and future'. The archives and records of voluntary organisations, campaigning bodies and community groups are central to this story, not least because they often preserve the histories of marginalised and disenfranchised individuals and communities whose voices can go unheard. This includes the UK's BAME communities; LGBT+ individuals and groups; people with disabilities or ill health; as well as communities marginalised in myriad ways through poverty and other inequalities. High-profile inquiries into the history of public, corporate and charitable bodies have highlighted the evidential value of records. People need to have confidence in the integrity of institutions and organisations need to be open and transparent. For voluntary organisations, opening archives is key to building trust and improving accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and local communities. Through their records they can give individuals access to personal memories and community heritage. As well as a window to the past, archives inform and support an organisation's present activities and priorities. These records are vital assets, essential for researchers - and the wider public - to understand the significance of voluntary organisations to society, past and present.
However, charity archives have long been under the radar, under-resourced and consequently at risk. Charity archives are supported by The National Archives' Sector Development department, but its work would benefit from more in-depth evidence-based knowledge of this diverse sector which will enable The National Archives to prioritise key issues and interventions. This research is both timely and original, and links directly to The National Archives 'strategic objectives to support and develop the sector. We expect the successful student candidate to be able to mould the project to their own research interests, but indicative research questions are:
1. How can we map, conceptualise and account for archives and records management practices across the voluntary sector in England? What does this diverse archive landscape look like? What structural approaches are taken to capture, preserve and provide access to records?
2. What are the key challenges facing the sector, and how do these vary by factors including charity purpose/subsector, income, staffing, geographical remit etc?
3. In what ways do voluntary organisations draw on their archives and records to address current organisational priorities or societal concerns? How can they be supported to do so?
4. What further support can The National Archives' Sector Development department offer this sector?
People |
ORCID iD |
| Georgina Brewis (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Paul Beard (Student) |