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Archive Research Lead, Sharing Stories Project, Trent Park House of Secrets

  •  London
  •  Under £10K
  •  Part time
  •  Closes March 2, 2026
  •  Chezzy Brownen
  •  chezzy.brownen@trentparkhouse.org.uk
  • #Museums
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Description

Job Summary

Our Archive Research Lead will train, facilitate and support Volunteer Historians to collect archival research on Trent Park’s wartime history, uncovering recently unclassified information.

Job Description

Trent Park House is seeking to appoint a freelance Archive Research Lead to train, facilitate and support Volunteer Historians to collect archival research on Trent Park's wartime history, uncovering recently unclassified information.

This role is crucial to help us train local Volunteer Historians in the identification and capture of previously uncovered new information from the archives at The National Archives in Kew and the Imperial War Museum about Trent Park House and its use in WW2.

Trent Park House, in Enfield, is recognised by Historic England as being of significance on a par with Bletchley Park. One of London's grandest houses, it was home to the 'Secret Listeners' during World War II - a story that has remained hidden in the house for over 70 years. In the lead up to the War, Trent Park House was home to Sir Philip Sassoon, a central figure of both British inter-war politics and the anti-Nazi movement who entertained many high-profile guests including King George V, Sir Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and TE Lawrence. The House is currently being restored and will open as a new heritage attraction which will immerse visitors - including school groups - in these extraordinary histories.

You must have experience working with and interpreting archival documents, experience of working with archives and archival material. We are looking for someone who is able to provide training to others in how to use and access archive material and who is self-motivated with the ability to think independently and take decisions appropriately.

Time period: April 2026 to May 2027 (13 months)

Budget: £3,900 (freelance @ £300/day x 13 days to include providing training and attend workshop drop-ins

Payment schedule

Monthly payment, against agreed deliverables, on the submission of invoices to the Project Manager and Project Administrator

Job Requirements

Essential

  • Experience working with and interpreting archival documents
  • Experience of cataloguing archives to recognised standards using cataloguing databases
  • Experience of providing training to others in how to use and access archive material
  • Self-motivated: ability to think independently and take decisions appropriately
  • Keen interest in and enthusiasm for the history of Trent Park House
  • Outstanding relationship-building skills
  • Excellent written, verbal communication and public speaking skills
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Experience of working with underrepresented communities in a heritage context

Non-essential

  • Active engagement with the Archives or Records Association, Business Archives Council or other relevant professional body
  • Experience of working with inclusive and/or underrepresented histories
  • Experience of working with newly arrived communities in a heritage setting
  • Understanding of Holocaust-related histories and associated approaches to learning an

Job Responsibilities

To train, facilitate and support Volunteer Historians to collect archival research on Trent Park's wartime history, uncovering recently unclassified information.

You will:

  1. Support and guide project participants in researching and identifying subjects for further research, supported by the Volunteer Manager
  2. Support the training of up to approx. 30 community participants
  3. Guide participants to use relevant archives and collections, e.g. The National Archives

at Kew and the Imperial War Museum

  1. To run monthly surgeries to support learning and the gathering of information
  2. Assist in producing a register of research to act as a record of findings for wider use by the Trust
  3. Collect and provide required project data and insights as required by the Independent Project Evaluator.

Reports to the Project Manager with close liaison with the Volunteer Manager.

How to Apply

Visit our website to see the full job description. Please send a CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to Chezzy Brownen at [email protected] outlining your suitability for the role and indicative cost breakdown of your time to fulfil the role.

Please contact Chezzy Brownen at [email protected] if you have any questions about the role or the application process.

Application Timeline
Closing date for applications is 9am Monday 2nd March.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed remotely, by MS Teams or Zoom. The provisional date for interviews is the 20th March 2026.

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