Workforce Mapping Survey 2023
The UK Information Workforce Data Consortium has published the results of the 2023 Workforce Mapping Survey of the library, archives, records, information and knowledge sector.
The survey was funded by the organisations within the consortium. They have an ambition to support their professional workforces, hence the need for access to up to date and accurate data. Key findings of the 2023 mapping report, which was commissioned by the Consortium from research specialists Kinetiq and the Local Government Association, include:
- A predominantly female workforce – women comprise 75% of respondents
- A highly experienced workforce – 40% have more than 20 years professional experience
- Significant pay disparity – 30% earn less than £22k p.a., 20% earn more than £40k p.a.
- Extensive insights into employee satisfaction in the workforce
- Evidence relating to Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and pay equality
Read the findings from the Workforce Mapping Survey 2023
Workforce Development Strategy
In 2017, The National Archives engaged the independent research consultancy Pye Tait to carry out an extensive evaluation of the archive sector using roundtables, phone interviews and a national online workforce survey.
Pye Tait used their findings to develop a new strategy, which was further developed with the support of the Archives Unlocked Board. The strategy contains 21 tactical goals that support five strategic objectives and are all connected by one overarching objective:
To develop capacity in the archives workforce to deliver sustainable, resilient and forward-thinking archive services that foster trust, enrichment and openness by reflecting the communities they serve, meeting their needs and engaging with wider society.
Read the Archive Sector Workforce Development Strategy (PDF, 1.3MB)
Read the Workforce Development Delivery Plan (PDF, 0.21MB)
The Archives and Records Association
The Archives and Records Association (ARA) is the professional body for the archive sector. They are responsible for and committed to working for high standards in providing and caring for archives, and managing record systems, by developing the archives sector workforce through its members.
ARA provides support to the workforce by:
- setting the standards of professional conduct and maintaining a professional register
- providing, monitoring and developing training and continued professional development for the current and future workforce
- providing professional help and advice
- promoting the exchange of expertise and experience among its members through a community for open discussion
- identifying employment opportunities and marketing the skills of its members to potential employers
- representing the interests of the record-keeping profession nationally
The shape of the workforce
In 2015, ARA partnered with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to carry out an extensive survey of the UK information sector workforce.
You can download the resulting report, which has identified key areas in which the workforce is not representative of the UK population and has highlighted key areas for action.
Current initiatives
The National Archives also works directly and in partnership with other organisations and government bodies to bring archives together and develop innovative practice.
One of these initiatives, Bridging the Digital Gap, is seeking to enable people with digital skills and from different backgrounds to join the broader archives workforce.