Bentley Priory Museum
Project Research and Documentation Officer
Application Pack
Thank you for your interest in the Project Research and Documentation Officer
position at Bentley Priory Museum, funded by the Museums Association
Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund.
In this pack you will find:
 Job Description
 Selection Criteria
To apply for the position, please send your CV with 2 referees and a covering
letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the position.
Please refer to Job Description and Selection Criteria when writing your
covering letter.
Referees will only be contacted with your consent.
Applications must be emailed or posted to the Museum’s Director:
director@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk
Bentley Priory Museum
Mansion House Drive
Stanmore
HA7 3FB
Closing Date for Applications: 9am, Thursday 21 May 2015
Interviews will take place on Thursday 28 May 2015
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Bentley Priory Museum
Project Research and Documentation Officer
Job Description
Job Title: Project Research and Documentation Officer
Hours: Part-time: 3 days a week (22.5 hours a week, 52 weeks)
Annual Leave: 28 days per annum pro rata (including statutory)
Pay: £24,000 per annum pro rata
Reports to: Museum Director
This is a fixed term contract for 12 months.
Post & Project Overview
Bentley Priory Museum is looking to recruit a Project Research and
Documentation Officer, to work on collections project, funded by the
Museums Association Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund.
The primary aim of the project is to increase access and meaningful
engagement with the Museum’s unique collection of predominately Battle of
Britain artefacts, for online and physical visitors who are hearing impaired,
deaf, partially sighted or blind.
This will be achieved through achieved through research, documentation,
digitisation, the creation of online and live audio descriptions of the artefacts
and bespoke guided tours and handling sessions.
Museum Overview
Bentley Priory was Headquarters Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.
The Museum explores the history of ‘The One’, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh
Dowding, ‘The Few’, the Battle of Britain aircrew, and ‘The Many’, those who
worked on the ground to ensure victory.
The project is inspired by Battle of Britain aircrew, many who had access needs
to consider after the Battle. These included members of the ‘Guinea Pig Club’,
British and Allied aircrew who were badly burned during the Battle of Britain
and the rest of World War II, and who underwent pioneering surgery under the
hands and vision of Sir Archibald McIndoe, whose portrait hangs at Bentley
Priory Museum.
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Main duties and responsibilities
Research
 Initial research of the Museum’s collection
 Identification of 200-300 artefacts for further research
 In-depth research and documentation of selected 200-300 artefacts
 Accessible presentation of research
 Utilise collections research to support the Learning Officer to create
audio and written descriptions for selected artefacts – online and for a
live audio tour
Documentation
 To document the Museum’s collection
 In-depth documentation of selected 200-300 artefacts, to include
provenance, historical value, condition, materials and size
 To ensure accessible, accurate and standardised documentation,
utilising collections management database/software
Digitisation
 To co-ordinate the digitisation of the selected 200-300 artefacts
 To support the freelance photographer digitise the selected artefacts,
including preparing the artefacts to be digitised, i.e. taking off display
Training
 To attend training, delivered by partners, on improving Museum access
 To provide training on research and documentation for volunteers if
required
 Attend Museum Association Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund
Networking Days as required
Website
 Upload project content onto the Museum’s website
 Check accuracy and consistency of website
General Project Duties
 Support project evaluation
 To market and promote the project as and when required
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Selection Criteria
Essential (E) or
Desirable (D)
Experience, Knowledge and Skills
1. Experience of documenting of collections in a
Museum or heritage organisation
2. Experience of researching collections and historical
narratives
3. Experience of digitising museum collections
4. Experience of project evaluation
5. Experience of delivering training
6. Knowledge of collections management standards
and best practice in Museums
7. Knowledge of Battle of Britain history
8. Knowledge of access considerations for Museum
visitors
9. Knowledge of collections management databases
10. Organisational, computer, communications,
presentation and teamwork skills
(E)
(E)
(D)
(D)
(D)
(E)
(D)
(E)
(D)
(E)
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