THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MANAGING EMPLOYER: LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY AND THE
CHURCH OF ENGLAND CENTRAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION STUDIO AND RECORD CENTRE
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
Preservation Assistant
GRADE:
7
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace Library, Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU and
The Church of England Record Centre, 15 Galleywall Road, South
Bermondsey, London, SE16 3PB
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
The Preservation Manager and the Senior Conservator of Lambeth
Palace Library and
The Consortium Conservator and Operations Manager Church of
England Record Centre (CERC)
KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Working closely with members of the Conservation Studio, CERC
Operations Manager and Archivists and with other Lambeth Palace
Library and CERC staff
BACKGROUND:
Lambeth Palace Library (LPL), 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. The
Library’s Preservation Policy was updated in 2014.
The Church of England Record Centre (CERC) holds the archives of a
variety of historical central Church of England bodies, which document
the evolving organisation and activities of the Church of England since
1704. CERC also provides a records management service to the National
Church Institutions and advice to the wider church.
JOB SUMMARY:
To assist the work of the LPL Preservation Manager (3 days per week).
To provide preservation services and basic conservation to the
collections of CERC (2 days per week).
This post would provide an entry position to a career of Library/Archive
preservation and/or conservation.
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MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Assisting the Preservation Manager in monitoring environmental conditions within the LPL &
CERC collections. Interpreting recorded data and being reactive to any changes.
To advance the Library’s phase-boxing programme, measuring for and operating the Gunnar
Hybrid F1 machine to create bespoke boxes as well as handmade archival boxes when required
and to continue CERC’s re-packaging project.
To assist with a condition assessment database and to propose books and collections for
conservation treatments in order to help prioritise future conservation projects within the
Library.
To undertake a regular timetable of general, shelf and book/archive cleaning within the storage
areas.
To monitor and implement a preservation service within CERC and to undertake basic
conservation.
To assist with Reprographics work at CERC.
Relocating, sorting, cleaning, boxing, stock-taking, and listing items in storage. This work will
involve climbing ladders and getting dusty. Ladders and overalls will be provided.
Carrying out any other duties as required.
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 recognised qualification or equivalent in either conservation or preservation. Comparable work
experience in collections care would also be considered.
Skills/Aptitudes:
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Proven manual skills and dexterity
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Proficient IT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office; Word, Outlook,
Excel.
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Good oral and written communication skills
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Good clerical and administration skills
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Ability to work with minimal supervision
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Ability to work methodically, tidily and accurately to given targets
Knowledge/Experience:
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Ability and willingness to follow processes and to contribute recommendations for improvements.
Personal Attributes:
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Able to work within small team
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Able to move books, archive boxes and negotiate stairs carrying boxes.
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Able to cope with dirty and dusty objects
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Able and willing to learn new software, new systems and new processes
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Adaptable and flexible, open to new ideas
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Circumstances:
 Although a member of the conservation team, the assistant will be largely working in storage and
re-boxing areas.
Desirable
 Experience in handling historical books or archive collections
 An understanding of Health and Safety issues
 Experience of digital preservation
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:
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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.
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TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Starting Salary:
Salary starts at the probationary point of £21,108 per annum. On
satisfactory completion of the probationary period the salary will rise to
the standard point for the band £21,674 per annum.
Pension Contributions:
Non-clergy staff will be admitted to the Church Administrators Pension
Fund (CAPF, DC Section). 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 with an hour’s
unpaid break for lunch.
Annual Leave:
25 days paid leave per leave year. This is exclusive of public holidays
and additional holidays approved by your employer. 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 open ended contract, subject to a six month
probationary period.
Closing date for receipt of applications:
Please note, if you have not heard from us within 3 days of the interview date, you have been
unsuccessful in your application.
Interviews: 12 November 2014
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