Local authority programme
This programme is designed for managers in local authority museums and archives services to give them the knowledge, understanding and skills to plan for improved organisational resilience.
The National Archives has generously committed further funding towards this year’s Local Authority programme for museums and archives, 2026–27.
Booking is now open for this year’s training programme, designed particularly with the needs of those working as managers in Local Authority Museums and Archives in mind. Priority will be given to those working in LA supported organisations but we also welcome bookings from anyone working, in paid or volunteer roles, in London’s museums and archives. Once you’ve made a booking please keep the date free in your calendar and we will confirm your place a week before the event.
This is what some of last year’s participants had to say about the training & events:
"I thought the presentation and the use of examples was really engaging and thought provoking. The breakout rooms were really useful and gave us an opportunity to really think about the subject matter and our approaches to dealing with a specific situation."
"The training being delivered online makes it easier to attend while not losing travel time from the rest of the day."
"Good format and clear slides. Plenty of opportunity to ask questions and was really good to chat to colleagues in other museums on the subject."
"It was a really well thought out and planned session, leaving time for thought but also connecting with peers."
Upcoming events
If you have questions about any of these training sessions please get in touch with Yvette Shepherd, [email protected]
10am – 12pm
2 hours online via zoom (includes 10 minute break)
Trainer: Adam Kozary
What will be covered?
Humanity has changed a lot over the millennia but one thing remains constant: we love a good story. The only thing that’s changed is the technology available to tell those stories and which enable us to reach a far greater number of people. Websites, social media and other technologies offer a huge variety of ways of telling stories, but the core of what makes a good story remains unchanged. This course will help you to use digital tools and platforms effectively to tell stories about your collections, people and organisations.
10am – 12.30pm
2.5 hours online including a 15 minute break, via zoom
Trainer: Sarah Wickham
Advocacy is key for museums and archives. It helps influence decision makers, highlights your value, and supports both daily operations and long-term sustainability. This introductory session, first offered in November 2025, is suitable for people who wish to learn core concepts and tools or take practical steps towards advocating for their service. The session will help you to define advocacy and your objectives; build your advocacy strategy for stakeholders, and plan your advocacy work.
10am – 12pm
2 hours online, via zoom
Trainer: Jen Kavanagh
Museum and archive staff are invited to participate in a short introductory training session focused on working with traumatic, sensitive and challenging material in their collections.
This session will provide an overview of what we mean by traumatic and sensitive material, providing case studies from museums and archives currently working with such collections. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on what to look for, how to engage with this material and how to prepare for dealing with unforeseen traumatic material in the future.
The aim is to equip staff with tips and guidance on how to work this material and how to care for themselves and their colleagues when working with challenging content.
Previous programmes
2025–2026
PDF: 316.9 KB
Read detailed summaries about the programme, completed in March 2026.
2024–2025
PDF: 215.4 KB
Read detailed summaries about the programme, completed in March 2025.
Supported by
National Archives
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Fund the Future
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Recharge
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Roots & Branches
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Victory 80
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