THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MANAGING EMPLOYER: LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
ARCHIVE CONSERVATOR
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
PROJECT CONSERVATOR (Fixed Term)
GRADE:
6
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace Library, Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU]
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Senior Conservator
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Working closely with the Senior Conservator, Conservator and
with other members of the Conservation Studio and other LPL
staff.
BACKGROUND:
JOB SUMMARY:
Lambeth Palace Library, founded in 1610, is the historic library
of the Archbishops of Canterbury. It is a small academic
research library, specialising in ecclesiastical history, but with
far wider-ranging archive, manuscript and printed collections. It
is the principal repository for archives of the Archbishop of
Canterbury and associated officials or institutions. It is
maintained by the Church Commissioners.
To assist the Senior Conservator and Conservator with
conservation of historic books (both text blocks and bindings)
and of paper and parchment archives. This will involve work on
the Lambeth Palace Library collections and also those of the
Church of England Record Centre and of Westminster Abbey
Library and Muniments.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To carry out hands-on conservation work, in conformity with established principles
and maintaining the highest standards in the conservation of printed books and their
bindings, bound an unbound archives and manuscripts (paper and parchment) and of
maps and plans.

To set and work within specific time scales and targets.

Maintain accurate records of procedures and materials, and keep time sheets for each

To carry out such duties as may be assigned by the Senior Conservator or Conservator
The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description. This
list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes
may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job
description that are commensurate with your banding and in line with the general nature of
your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are
implemented.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Education:
 A degree, diploma or other recognised qualification in paper or book conservation
Skills/Aptitudes:
 Excellent craft skills in the conservation of paper
 Excellent craft skills in book conservation, including binding and box-making
 Proficient in IT skills
Knowledge/Experience:
 Practical experience in conservation
 Broad knowledge of conservation techniques and materials, and of modern
developments
 Familiarity with preservation issues, practices and standards
Personal Attributes:
 Ability to work as part of the Library team,
 Ability to work to targets, maintaining a flow of work appropriate in quantity as well
as quality.
 Maintaining programme of personal professional development
Desirable
Skills/Aptitudes:
 Post graduate practical experience within a conservation studio or craft bindery
 Any other specialized skills or experience relevant to the collections or similar
collections would be an advantage
 Membership of professional organisations
 Knowledge of COSSH, and Health and Safety Legislation
Knowledge/Experience:
 Knowledge of historical bookbinding structures
Personal Attributes:
 Interest in the work and aims of the Library
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Diversity
We understand the benefits of employing individuals from a range of backgrounds, with
diverse cultures and talents. We aim to create a workforce that:



values difference in others and respects the dignity and worth of each individual
reflects the diversity of the nation that the Church of England exists to serve
fosters a climate of creativity, tolerance and diversity that will help all staff to develop to
their full potential.
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and ensuring that all employees,
job applicants, customers and other persons with whom we deal are treated fairly and are not
subjected to discrimination. We want to ensure that we not only observe the relevant
legislation but also do whatever is necessary to provide genuine equality of opportunity. We
expect all of our employees to be treated and to treat others with respect. Our aim is to
provide a working environment free from harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any
form which may affect the dignity of the individual.
Standards of Behaviour and Conduct
Staff are expected to act at all times with due consideration for others and in a manner
befitting their position as employees of the Church and as professionals, whatever their job.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
The NCIs take Health and Safety at work very seriously and require their staff to familiarise
themselves with, and follow, their policy.
Confidentiality
Staff must not pass on to unauthorised persons, any information obtained in the course of
their duties without the permission of their Head of Department.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary:
Salary starts at the probationary point of £23,190 p.a. pro rata.
On satisfactory completion of the probationary period the
salary will rise to the standard point for the band £24,690 p.a.
pro rata.
Pension Contributions:
Non-clergy staff will be admitted to the Church Administrators
Pension Fund (CAPF, DC Section) unless they choose to opt
out. Clergy already in the Church of England Funded Pensions
Scheme (CEFPS) will have the option of either remaining in
this scheme or joining the CAPF scheme.
There is no contracting – out certificate under the Pension
Schemes Act 1993 in force for this employment in relation to
the CAPF and CEFPS. Both CAPF and CEFPS members are
contracted-in to the State Second Pension.
The NCIs have an income protection insurance arrangement. To
be eligible for cover under this policy an employee must be a
member of the CAPF DC section. Please note that insurance
cover is not necessarily automatic and that underwriting may be
required by the schemes in some instances. Cover will be
subject to any terms and conditions laid down by the insurance
company.
Hours of Duty:
Normal hours of work are 35 per week, Monday to Friday, 9.30
am to 5.30 pm, with an hour’s unpaid break for lunch.
Annual Leave:
25 days paid leave per year pro rata. This is exclusive of public
and additional holidays. The leave year runs from 1st January
to 31st December.
Season Ticket Loan:
Staff are eligible to apply for an interest-free travel season
ticket loan for their journey to and from work.
Contract:
The post is offered on 15 month fixed-term contract, subject to
a three month probationary period.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 17th August 2012
Please note, if you have not heard from us within 3 days of the interview date, you have been
unsuccessful in your application.
Interviews:
11-12th September 2012