Support and guidance

One of the purposes of CHARM is to provide support network for people looking after records in the charity and voluntary sector. It can be difficult to know where to start if you are given
responsibility for looking after modern records or archives, but have no formal training. We aim to add more signposts to this section over time.

This area of our website aims to signpost useful sources of information on record keeping.
External links are selected and reviewed when the page is published. However, CHARM is not responsible for the content of external websites. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or the site’s owners, their products or services.

Getting started

  • Is there any basic advice available on looking after records?

    The National Archives (TNA) has produced some guidance on caring for archives specifically aimed at non-archivists including an introductory guide to archives. It has some simple steps relating to different aspects of archive work, such as managing risks to collection, creating box lists and complying with Data Protection legislation. The Archive Sector Development department at the TNA are also available to advise on private records (the function previously carried out by HMC).

    As part of Renaissance London an Information and Records Management Project was started in 2007. It undertook a survey current record-keeping and information management practices within museums and developed museum-specific action plans to establish and maintain good practice. As part of the project toolkits and factsheets were produced which cover a range of aspects of records management such as Data Protection Act and managing email.

    The Community Archives and Heritage Group (CAHG) is a national group which aims to support and promote community archives in the UK and Ireland. Their website includes some very useful resources including cataloguing guidelines and advice on funding.

    The Campaign for Voluntary Sector Archives produced draft guidance (updated in March 2017) to help voluntary sector organisations that own or look after archive material.

  • Are there any courses for gaining an understanding of the main skills needed to manage modern records or archives?

    The Archives Skills Consultancy Ltd runs a Basic Archive Skills Training Day which is aimed at people working with archives and records without formal recordkeeping qualifications, and who feel that they would benefit from some basic training in the principles of
    managing records and archives.

  • How do I find out more about gaining a recording keeping qualification?

    The Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland) is the professional body for
    archivists, archive conservators and records managers. It has information on its website about how to pursue a career in the sector. In the careers section it gives links to the
    various courses available for people who want to gain professional training.

  • How do I find a consultant with experience in the archive, records
    management or archive conservation sector?

    The Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland) is the professional body for
    archivists, archive conservators and records managers. It maintains a list of consultants working in the sector with their areas of expertise and contact details.

  • Is there somewhere I can go to meet other people who look after charity or voluntary sector records?

    You are welcome to join us at a CHARM meeting, which are held four times a year. There is information about our meetings on our website.