SOCIETY OF ARCHIVISTS
STRATEGIC PLAN
2003 - 2007
HISTORY
The principal aims of the Society of Archivists - to promote the care and preservation of
archives and the better administration of archive repositories, to advance the training of its
members, and to encourage relevant research and publications - are achieved both through the
work of the Society's Council and its various Committees, Groups and Regions, and by its
position as representative for the profession, submitting evidence and comment on matters of
professional concern to any official body which seeks advice or whose activities affect
archives.
The Society is a professional body and operates as a Registered Company (limited by
guarantee) as well as a Registered Charity. The Society is governed by its Memorandum and
Articles of Association which set outs its objectives - to foster the care and preservation of
archives in the public interest and to promote the better administration of archive repositories;
to advance the professional education and training of archivists, archive conservators and
records managers and those engaged in related activities; to commission and support research
into the creation, use, administration and conservation of archives and the development of new
techniques and the publication of the useful results of such research.
The function of the Society is to develop transparent processes of communication as well as to
promote awareness of the profession including the employment of professional archivists. It
also works in co-operation and partnership with other relevant organisations throughout
Britain and Ireland including the Archives Council Wales, British Records Association,
Heritage Council, National Council on Archives, Resource and the Regional Archives
Councils (including the emerging Single Regional Agencies), and the Scottish Archives
Council – to name but very few. It also attempts to sustain and develop partnerships with
comparable bodies in the European Union as well as internationally
The Society takes its leadership from its Council which, through its elected membership,
devises policy and strategy for the whole Society. Vital work of the Society is to maintain and
develop its role in promoting the professional developments of those involved in the care,
conservation, management ands preservation of archives and records. This is ensured through
external training accreditation, internal professional training.
It is a priority for the Society to review continuously its own structure and policy in order to
ensure best services to members. It is also devoted to maintaining and raising professional
standards in all aspects of archives and record work by means of its annual Conference and
Conservators Training Conference, through its programme of publications as well as through
its own Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
A consultation exercise has not been carried out by the Society in recent years. As it enters
into a new decade as well as a new millennium it is timely for the Society to assess its
achievements, it role and its future responsibilities.
The basis of the present Strategic Plan is the responses sent in by Committees, Subcommittees, Regions, Special Interest Groups and individuals. The Strategic Plan is to see the
Society forward for the years 2003 until 2007. It sets priorities for the Society which are
measurable and, hopefully, achievable. The Strategic Plan will develop alongside the
Business Plans which will be annual and will contain the Aims and Objectives of each
Executive Committee, Sub-Committee, Region, Special Interest Group, Boards and Working
Parties.
HISTORY
Among the issues addresses in the Programme of Objectives of the Society of Archivists
for the years 1990 – 4 were :
Principal Objectives
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To develop the Society as the central professional association for those working in
archives and records management in the United Kingdom and Ireland
To develop the role of the Society as the central agency for professional development
of those involved in the care and conservation of archives and records
To work for the improved understanding of the practices and problems of archives
care, conservation and the management of information through records
To promote and undertake publications in the fields of archives and records
management and conservation
To sustain and develop a leading position in the field of archive conservation
To explore and, where appropriate, to pursue the benefits of increased contact with
related professions
To increase contacts with similar groups throughout the world, with a view to greater
co-operation
Areas for Development
Corporate Activities
Legislation
External Relations
Conditions of Service
Professional Development
Archives in Education
Publications
Registration
Professional Methodology
Many of these objectives remain the same for the years 2003 – 2007. They are stressed
again as they remain valid and it is unnecessary, as well as unwise, to change or delete
them. Of the priorities the Society set itself in the period 1990 – 1994 only the attainment
of Chartered Status remains unachieved – and this for reasons beyond the control of the
Society.
The programme for the years 2003 – 2007 is no less ambitious. Yet the Society must only
take on those aspirations on which it is ABLE to deliver. The Objectives must be possible
within the financial and personnel constraints of the Society. They must also be cost
effective. The Society must be certain that its limited resources being put to the most
efficient use and that the Society is getting the best return from its expenditure.
The Strategic Plan is drawn up so that in five years time we may be able to review it in
terms of measurable, quantifiable and deliverable success. This is intended to be an
enabling Strategic Plan. The challenge for each member will be to assist in its delivery.
MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE SOCIETY OF ARCHIVISTS
To continue to maintain and develop the Society as the central professional association for
those working in archives and records management in the United Kingdom and Ireland
To represent the full constituency of the Society
To ensure that our members come first in everything which the Society of Archivists does
and to promote a professional identity amongst its members
To maintain and develop the programme of continuing professional development of the
Society
AT THE END OF 2007 THE SOCIETY OF ARCHIVISTS WILL

Be recognised as the central professional voice of archivists, conservators and records
managers

Be able to direct professional archival policy

Have analysed its potential membership and expanded it

Have established the Society’s role and interests in the archives sector and developed
its capacity to deliver

Have embrace IT developments and established a professional IT policy
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE SOCIETY OF ARCHIVISTS
2003 -2007
To seek to speak for, and further the professional interests of, the full constituency of the
Society of Archivists and to continue to maintain and develop the Society as the central
professional association for those working in archives and records management in the UK
and Ireland
To create the capacity to develop policy that reflects the changing roles of professionals
within the sector
To develop and maintain transparent processes of communication and involvement with
the Society, both internally and externally
To work in consultation and partnership with relevant organisations
To sustain and develop relationships with comparable bodies in both an EU and
international context
To maintain and develop the role of the Society in promoting the professional
development of those involved in the care, conservation and management of archives and
records
To review continuously the structures and operation of the Society to ensure the best
services to members
To maintain and raise professional standards in all aspects of archive and records work
Objective 1
To seek to speak for, and further the professional interests of, the full constituency of the Society of Archivists and to continue to maintain
and develop the Society as the central professional association for those working in archives and records management in the UK and Ireland
1.
Raise the profile of the Society and start speaking out more on issues
MC / Council
2.
Consider whether the Society could afford a press officer
MC / Council
3.
Raise awareness of archives, conservation and records management as recognised and
respected professions
PACC / CfR
4.
Promote work in archives, conservation and records management as potential careers
PACC / Cfr
5.
Make better contact with new and prospective archival professionals to encourage
membership of the Society
Membership Cmte / CfR
6.
Review membership categories (including Affiliate membership) with a view to any
alterations being effective by 2005
Membership Cmte
7.
Increase membership in all categories to increase the Society’s role as the voice of the
domain’s professional workers
Membership Cmte / CfR
8.
Work for better communications with similar professional bodies to develop joint
aims and responses to issues relevant to all
PACC / CfR
immediate
immediate
By 2005
2003
Objective 2
To create the capacity to develop policy that reflects the changing roles of professionals within the sector
1.
Consider the employment of a full-time, professional Chairman
MC / Council
2.
Institute a Policy / Strategy Sub Committee to seek out and address issues within the sector
both present and future, and establish priorities for the Society
MC / Council
urgent
3.
Ensure submission of considered responses to all external policy consultations
Chairman
Ongoing
4.
Encourage and contribute to discussions leading to appropriate archival legislation
Legislation S.C.
5.
Establish the Society as the ‘recognised voice’ of the sector for all external agencies,
including the press
MC / Council
Urgent
6.
Maintain an ongoing audit of professional concerns and developments, and report internally
on any need for changes in policy direction or scope
PACC
Urgent
Objective 3
To develop and maintain transparent processes of communication and involvement with the Society, both internally and externally
1.
Review the present structure of the Society, whether it is working, where boundaries
between Management Committee / Council / Committees lie, and whether the current
structure works
MC / Council
Urgent
2.
Assess how lines of communication with membership can be strengthened
PACC / CfR
Ongoing
3.
Consider encouraging membership involvement and wider participation at all levels
Membership Cmte / CfR
4.
Consider the payment of expenses for Regional Officers
CfR
5.
Ensure the holding of annual meetings between Officers, Regional officers and SIG officers
MC
Annual
6.
Co-ordinate and publish a list of all Council, Committee, Regional and Group meetings
Hon. Secretary ?
2003
7.
Organise a time table for Society Officers to attend regional meetings
Hon. Secretary ?
2003
8.
Maintain and develop the Society’s website, encourage the publication of all Society
documents, minutes, etc thereon
PACC / WAG
2003
9.
Continue to develop the Society website to encompass the demands of its members
and promote the work of the Society, including the creation of an e-mail discussion list
PACC / WAG
2003
10.
Review members access to e-mail and the Internet
Membership Cmte
2003
11.
Maintain and develop ARC and promote the wider availability of Committee minutes,
with summaries for inclusion in ARC
Hon. Secretary / Publications S.C.
2003
12.
Encourage a culture of sharing information
Council / CfR
13.
Ensure that the dissemination strategy is balanced so that all members who wish to participate
in the processes of decision making are given equal opportunity to do so
Council / CfR
14.
Consider changing the structure of the Society and the role of the Regional Councillors and
review the role of the Committee for the Regions
Council / CfR
15.
Reappraise periodically the procedures for communication, including the Society’s website
PACC
Urgent
Objective 4
To work in consultation and partnership with relevant organisations
1.
Invite representatives from other bodies to join the Society’s proposed Policy / Strategy
Sub Committee
PACC
2.
Ensure that the Society has representatives on committees of other relevant organisations
Council
Urgent
3.
Maintain Society representatives to all relevant organisations and ensure that
communication via such representatives works both ways
Council / CfR
Urgent
4.
Ensure that Society representatives assist in formulating joint policies / responses
Council /PACC / CfR
5.
Seek strategic and operational alliances with other professional bodies in order to advance
issues of common concern
Council
Urgent
6.
Establish an annual meeting between the Chairman of the Society and Chairmen of ACALG /
BRA / NCA / RMS etc.
Chairman / MC
Annual
7.
Act as a proactive partner with other bodies in obtaining or providing funding and delivering
on sectoral projects related to archive and records science and conservation
Council
8.
Discuss and develop a co-operative training programme with associated professional bodies
based on common training needs at an initial seminar during 2003 and continue formalised
contact thereafter
ETDC / CfR
Continue to play a leading role in the NCA, and Welsh, Scottish and Irish equivalents and
define the Society’s special area of expertise in the domain
Council
9.
In 2003
Annual
Annual
10.
Co-operate with Resource and similar bodies in the United Kingdom and Ireland as the
‘recognised voice’ of the archive professions
Council / PACC
Annual
11.
Work more closely with emerging groups such as the Task Force, the NCCR and the new
National Archives
Council
2003
12.
Establish and maintain regular links and meetings, at senior level, with other domain
professional bodies across the domain within the United Kingdom and Ireland
MC / Chairman
Annual
13.
Encourage joint initiatives across the domain
MC / Council
14.
Actively solicit and welcome input from other bodies across the domain
Ex. Committees
Objective 5
To sustain and develop relationships with comparable bodies in both an EU and international context
1.
Make funding available for Society representatives to attend events overseas
PACC / International S.C.
2.
Provide delegates, where appropriate, to international events and projects,
ensuring full feedback to the widest membership
PACC / International S.C.
3.
Invite overseas organisations to send representatives to Society events
Conference S.C.
4.
Actively solicit and welcome input from other comparable bodies
International S.C.
5.
Introduce a policy for monitoring overseas legislation relating to archival issues
and a procedure for Society responses to these
Legislation S.C.
6.
Play a full role as a member of ICA and other international sectoral bodies
PACC / International S.C.
7.
Plan to host a major conference or convention, perhaps jointly with other bodies, at least
once in the next five years within the Society’s geographical area
Conference S.C.
5 years
Objective 6
To maintain and develop the role of the Society in promoting the professional development of those involved in the care, conservation and
management of archives and records
1.
Maintain and develop professional registration and accreditation frameworks
ETDC
Ongoing
2.
Maintain the registers of qualified members, and review criteria for registration quinquenially
ETDC / Registrars
5 years
3.
Develop and publish a training and development strategy by 2004
ETDC / Training Officer
4.
Afford all members the opportunity for professional development
ETDC / Training Officer
5.
Review and develop the Certificate in Archive Conservation
Conservation Certificate Board
6.
Continue to support students completing the Diploma in Archive Administration
Archives Diploma Board
7.
Monitor the regional differences and requirements of members’ professional development
ETDC / CfR
8.
Supply additional support for the Training Officer to increase training available
ETDC / Finance S.C.
9.
Provide an on-line facility for members to record, monitor and plan their CPD
CD S.C. / WAG
10.
Formulate a Code of Ethics and set of professional standards which relate to CPD
ETDC / CD S.C.
11.
Review the Society’s CPD policy and promote it so that it is fully understood by its
members and the importance of which is stressed to each member
ETDC / CD S.C.
12.
Organise, develop and promote a CPD training programme – annually and geographically
ETDC / CDSC / Training Officer / CfR
13.
Develop a mentor scheme for all levels of membership and encourage members to use
and support it
ETDC / Registrars
14.
Accredit courses (including post-qualification and distance learning provision) for training
professionals and para-professionals and review such accreditation every five years
PACC / Accreditation S.C.
15.
Review the needs of para-professionals and part-time non-professional archive staff
(including cross sectoral) and establish a framework for proceeding to ensure that such
training needs are met
ETDC / CfR
16.
Work with the higher education sector to develop archive, conservation and records management
training at a post graduate level, and to consider the development of undergraduate training
ETDC
17.
Consider the Society’s future role in the provision of initial entry qualifications for archives
and records management
PACC
18.
Continue to support and develop single modules of training and investigate new mechanisms
for delivering subject based module training with a view to commencing provision in 2004 – 5
ETDC
19.
Consider extending the provision of relevant post qualification training in co-operation with
PRO / universities etc.
ETDC
20.
Consider liaison with the emerging single regional agencies in England in the delivery of
common training both for the archives domain and cross sectorally
ETDC / CfR
5 years
In 2003
by 2004
Objective 7
To review continuously the structures and operation of the Society to ensure the best services to members
1.
Consider the employment of an Office Manager and support staff.
Personnel S.C. / Council
2.
Consider how to put the Society's Office and support structure on to a firm base
MC / Council
Urgent
3.
Consider the financial implications of future Society plans and developments
Finance S.C.
Annual
4.
Re-examine the main Committee and Officer structure and revisit the subject during the
the second year of each chairman’s term of office in response to changing needs or wishes
MC / Council
In 2003
Bi annual
5.
Consider extending the Chairman’s term of office to three years, and the possible establishment
of a second vice chairmanship with specific member-focussed responsibilities
MC / Council
6.
Mandate Council to perform an annual audit of all Society Committees, Groups, Panels
and other units subsequent upon receiving annual planning documents - to be required
of all groupings - and subsequently take action to fill gaps in activity or utilise available
volunteer resources more effectively
MC / Council
Annual
7.
Devise a rolling five year action plan noting specific aims and targets, with delegation of
responsibility for delivery to appropriate Officers or Committees, with an annual review
reported to the AGM
MC / Council
5 years
8.
Consider the introduction of regionally elected national Councillors, giving each Councillor
a constituency and each Region a clear communication route to Council
CfR
9.
Assess member satisfaction regularly in order to help define the review process
Membership Cmte
Objective 8
To maintain and raise professional standards in all aspects of archive and records work
1.
Establish the pre-eminence of the Society as the arbiter of ethical behavior among
professionals and archival institutions, by means of a revised and expanded ethical code for
members and institutions, to be developed with full consultation
Council / PACC
2.
Maintain the profile and reputation of professionalism amongst members by acknowledging
good practice, fostering awareness of the profession in the wider world, and providing
careers advice on an on-going basis
Council / PACC
3.
Establish with Archives Task Force that the Society is the body which sets professional standards
Council / PACC
4.
Seek and secure funding for projects, if Society resources are not sufficient, on an ongoing basis
Council / Ex. Sec.
5.
Contribute to projects as they arise aimed at developing professional methodology
Council / PM S.C.
6.
Prepare a new publication programme, commissioning work where necessary and making
full use of electronic and traditional methods of delivery as suitable, such a programme
to be based on actual-needs surveys
PM S.C. / Publications S.C.
Membership Cmte
7.
Develop and promote the Society’s Code of Conduct.
PACC
By 2005