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Records Manager

Do you want to become a Records Manager? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Records managers look after the cataloguing and storage of current records, deciding what information should be kept and for how long, and what should be destroyed.

Their main responsibilities are:

• ensuring organisations are complying with statutory and legislative requirements
• making it easier for users to find information
• designing electronic storage systems to streamline data and improve accessibility.

Records managers generally work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. They normally work in an office, but may spend time travelling to different offices to conduct training programmes, make presentations or examine information processes. Overseas travel is possible. There may be part-time opportunities.

The starting salary for a graduate is around £20,000 and can rise to about £70,000.

Records managers should be:

• confident communicators and good negotiators
• well organised with good project management skills
• able to work well with other people
• comfortable using new technology.

Qualified records managers are in high demand. They can work for a wide range of both public and private organisations including, eg local authorities, central government, large commercial businesses, charities, museums and educational establishments.

Records managers need a good honours degree, preferably in an academic discipline, followed by a postgraduate qualification in records management or archives. The minimum entry requirements for degree courses are usually five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/H grades, or equivalent. Entry is possible at a lower level, with part-time opportunities available for a postgraduate course in records management.

There are no age limits. Adults with an IT, compliance or project management background may find it easier to move across. Academic requirements for senior posts are the same as new entrants.

A range of training courses is available through professional bodies. Members of the Society of Archivists are encouraged to take their equivalent of chartered membership.

Promotional opportunities may be limited if remaining with the same employer. Moving employer may secure a more senior position. Some managers with experience may move into consultancy.

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