Collections Management Policy

8. People and Training

8.1 We manage, preserve and conserve our archive and printed book collections effectively by providing an adequate level of staffing and ensuring that the people who work here understand the value and significance of the collections and are appropriately skilled and trained.

8.2 We deliver Lancashire County Council's stated performance management objectives through management support, service induction plans, opportunities for continued learning and professional development and regular performance engagement meetings to ensure that all staff have the necessary skills and abilities to meet their work objectives and carry out their defined roles in supporting the preservation of our archive collections.

8.3 We have a well-established archive volunteer programme. Volunteers are recruited through the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership and provided with appropriate training. They undertake a range of tasks which support the preservation of the archive collections and improve collections information to make material more accessible. They do not undertake work which would normally be carried out by salaried staff.

8.4 We manage the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff and volunteers working with the archive collections, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2002 and Lancashire County Council's Health and Safety Policy and our own Record Office premises Arrangements for health, safety and wellbeing. And we provide, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe environment for all visitors to the record office building.

8.5 Lancashire Archives is an Institutional Member of the Archives and Records Association (INA0012) and a member of the National Conservation Service.

8.6 Professional archivists and archive conservators are encouraged to become registered members of the Archives and Records Association. They are expected to subscribe to its Code of Ethics and to continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills. Accredited archive conservators also subscribe to the ICON (Institute of Conservation) code of conduct. Librarians subscribe to the CILIP set of ethical principles and code of professional practice for library, information and knowledge professionals.