Culture Coventry
TRAINEESHIP ROLE DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
History Centre Trainee
Department:
Collections
Reports To:
History Centre Manager
Main functions of
traineeship:
To gain experience in all aspects of archive and local studies library work in a public
institution including both front desk and behind the scenes work.
The trainee will be given every opportunity to develop skills and professional experience
to enable them to further develop into a career in the heritage sector.
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To be an ambassador of Culture Coventry’s vision through positive engagement with
visitors, ensuring they gain a full appreciation and enjoyment of Coventry’s rich history
through our collections.
To work collectively and collaboratively with the local community, visitors, volunteers
and other key stakeholders to ensure all our sites are key lifelong and creative learning
establishments.
To care for the collections at Culture Coventry’s sites and commit to ensuring they are
displayed in ways that are engaging for our visitors.
With guidance of, and in consultation with, members of the History Centre team:
Areas of Training and
Primary Responsibilities:
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To liaise with depositors and donors on the acquisition of archives
To list, catalogue and index archive collections in accordance with archival principles
To document the archive and library collections and assist with inputting of records
on the Adlib collections management system
To develop basic preservation and handling techniques including wrapping and
boxing items
To assist with all aspects of collections care including storage management and item
movement for public production.
To work on maintaining the library catalogues and pamphlet collections
To assist, as appropriate, with the research of public enquiries in person, by phone or
by email.
To assist with the delivery of the public service in the Reading Room including
manning the front desk and dealing with face-to-face enquiries, answering the
telephone, photocopying and operating the till and card payment machine.
To become familiar with all aspects of work to support study and research, including
use of reader-printers, family history computers, finding aids, production of
materials and shelving of books and pamphlets.
Organisational responsibilities:
• To demonstrate the Trust’s values and behaviours at all times to ensure we treat
each other and our customers with dignity and care.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues to foster a professional and supportive
environment that clearly shows we are united.
• To take pride and ownership in setting new standards and new ways of working, that
supports, increases and builds our resilience as a business for the future.
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Other Duties
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To support the delivery of the Trust’s financial objectives and growth agenda, by
always looking at ways we can maximise opportunities to grow our audience and
generate income.
To put the customer at the heart of all decisions and actions, to ensure we deliver
exceptional customer experience at all times.
To represent Culture Coventry on all appropriate local, regional, national and
international forums, workshops, events, reviews and consultations relevant to the
post.
At all times ensure that working practices are in line with the requirements of
Culture Coventry’s Health and Safety Policy and generally seek to ensure the safety
of Culture Coventry’s employees and visitors, including in the event of an emergency
evacuation.
To support the remainder of the Culture Coventry team when required for
conferences, gallery openings and any other events over and above the normal dayto-day running of the museums ensuring that commercial opportunities are
maximised.
To actively engage with any special projects or builds and annual events / large
public festivals that may occur from time to time over and above the normal day to
day running of the museums ensuring that all commercial opportunities are
maximised.
Any other duties that fall within the remit of the traineeship
Please note:
 The black wording within this document details your individual role requirements and responsibilities, which you
will be expected to demonstrate and achieve during your traineeship.
 The green wording outlines core behaviours, requirements and responsibilities that are expected of all
employees, trainees and apprentices within the Trust. This has been included in all role descriptions to ensure
that everyone shares a common purpose to ensure we achieve our vision and live our values.
Tools & Equipment used: computer and general office equipment, some manual handling tasks, including repetitive
tasks such as book handling.
Outline of terms and conditions for the traineeship:
 A bursary will be paid over a period of 18 months
 The bursary will be £1,000 per month
 Working hours: 4 days (29.5 hours) per week, with some option for weekend and evening work
 Notice period: 1 month
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Assessment for recruitment requirements and competencies
Aptitudes / Skills / Abilities
Essential
 Demonstrable interest in libraries and record offices and the resources they offer
 Excellent verbal and communication skills
 Creative and practical skills
 Good organisational skills with the ability to manage time and meet deadlines
 Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
 Working methodically and in accordance with procedures
 Customer focused with the passion and ability to identify customer audiences,
understand their specific requirements and place them at the heart of everything
the Trust does.
 Self‐motivated with the ability to take the initiative
 A team player with an approachable manner
 Sensitive to the different cultural backgrounds of Coventry’s diverse communities
and a commitment to equal opportunities practice both at work and with
customers.
 A flexible approach to work with the willingness and ability to work outside
standard hours on occasion.
 Good IT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Desired
 Readiness to work with people and the ability to respond to differing needs, e.g.
disabled, children, diverse cultures and differing levels of understanding.
 A demonstrable interest in a culture/ leisure type of environment
Knowledge And Experience
Essential
 Experience of working or volunteering in a museum, library, archive or other arts
and heritage organisation
 Understanding and knowledge of history and an interest in a career in a library or
record office environment
Desired
 A good level of understanding of art or history, coupled with a recognition of
Coventry’s place in that history
Education and qualifications
Essential
 Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification
 Evidence of GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above
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Special Requirements:
This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
1974. A Criminal Record Disclosure may be required prior to appointment.
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