Records Manager

Full time 37 Hours per week – Fixed term maternity cover to September 2026

Are you a records or information management professional looking to take the first step into leadership? This post offers that, together with plenty of independence and the chance to work across archives and hard copy/electronic records. The role is part of a team leading the Council’s information management strategy and ensuring that business records and data are managed effectively, securely and in line with legislation.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role:
The role will be based at our Bennet Road offices - 19 Bennet Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0QX

As the Records Manager you will lead the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services’ support for Reading’s information management strategy and lifecycle programme for its business information, records and data. You will manage the legacy joint arrangements for Berkshire County Council modern records and the adoption and looked-after children's archive.

The Records Manager will have day-to-day responsibility for the safe-keeping and compliance of significant information assets. Reading’s Records Management Unit looks after business information from public authorities across Berkshire. This includes 2 countywide joint arrangements: legacy records of the old Berkshire County Council and an adoption and looked-after children’s archive that dates back to 1926.

You will manage three staff and a service budget of around £40k per year.

One of the first tasks you will be involved with is to supervise a move of reference stock from Reading’s Central Library, which is being incorporated into the Records Management Unit warehouse.

Help is also required with digital media. Reading has outstanding tasks to complete around information asset management and curating its unstructured data in SharePoint. The post is directorate lead for these activities and also part of a corporate team overseeing them. The Royal Berkshire Archives will also look to you for support.

About you:
We are looking for an information professional, ideally with a recognised qualification or experience in the sector. Ability is more desired than experience and the post is suitable for someone keen to take the first step into leadership roles.

You will need to be able to interpret and apply information management law, concepts and standards; to work closely and productively across services; and to coach and mentor staff.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.

Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

If you would like an informal discussion about the post please contact Margaret Dinham, Records Manager, on 0118 937 5933 or email margaret.dinham@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Interview Date: To be arranged
Interview format: two-person panel interview, based on job description. Although it does not form part of the interview, we are very happy to offer you a tour of the records warehouse.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.