Archives Assistant 2025

The BBC Written Archives Centre looks after the working papers of the BBC. Our documents have been selected for permanent preservation because of their value as evidence or as a source for historical or other research. The archive provides a rich resource for the history of broadcasting and the BBC, as well as 20th and 21st century social and political history, biography, music and the arts.

The role

This permanent role is for an Archives Assistant position within the Written Archives team and reports to an Archive/Library Team Leader. The role of the Archives Assistant is to support the management, supply and delivery of BBC assets from its archive and library collections. This role supports the management of collections both on BBC premises and with third party storage partners. The role requires working effectively and efficiently as part of a team to ensure customer and business requirements are met.

Main responsibilities

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Dealing with enquiries relating to accessing content held in archive and library collections – both physical and digital assets
• Delivery of archive and library content to customers and prioritising where appropriate to meet deadlines
• Managing the circulation of material from either BBC archive storage or third party storage suppliers around BBC buildings using appropriate stock management systems
• Ensuring relevant delivery information is included with orders and that stock management systems are updated as appropriate
• Answering basic research enquiries
• Accessioning of archive content to stock management systems
• Operating technical equipment for copying, viewing and listening purposes; also supporting digitisation services and products
• Re-filing and re-housing of archive material for preservation purposes
• Working as part of a pool to provide cover for colleagues during normal absences.
• Providing administrative and technical assistance to Archives teams.
• Dealing with visitors to BBC sites
• Ensuring that Archive policies and standards are adhered to, promoting best archiving practice both internally and externally.

Are you the right candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and spoken along with good planning and organising skills. You will also demonstrate:

• Some previous experience within a library or archives environment, media would be advantageous
• Proven ability to manage customer requirements when working independently and/or as part of a team.
• Methodical and accurate approach to work with good attention to detail.
• Ability to use IT proficiently, including a range of software packages and collaboration tools
• Understanding of the BBC’s values and how they apply to the role

About the BBC

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC for different reasons and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours here.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.