This free course will help you produce a Strategic Advocacy Plan. You’ll also hear fresh insights and inspiring case studies from experts.

It has never been more crucial to measure and demonstrate the value of your archive. This free course will support you to produce a Strategic Advocacy Plan, as well as inspiring you with fresh insights and case studies from industry experts. The session will cover:

how to develop strategic advocacy objectives, aligned with your organisational and sectoral priorities

what you should measure in order to demonstrate value

identifying, understanding and influencing your stakeholders and funders

how to articulate the value and needs of your service

what additional support is available

The course will be led by Kate Farmery, senior leader and trainer within the museums, libraries and archives sector and former Head of Business at The Box, Plymouth. There will be input from communications expert, Gillian Taylor, and case study presentations from senior industry colleagues.

The course will involve a combination of presentations, case studies, break-out groups and facilitated conversation. There will also be an opportunity to explore exhibitions at The Box, and hear a short introduction to the archive.

Previous attendees for this course have said:

'It was an excellent day. Facilitators were knowledgeable and excellent communicators.’

'Excellent speakers. Really informative.'

'I have improved my understanding of how to go about getting support for a variety of issues and projects.'

Who should attend

This course is aimed at Heads of Service or anyone responsible for managing an archive, based in the UK.

Programme

Participants will be asked to undertake a short reflective task in advance to help them prepare for the day.

10.15 - arrivals, tea and coffee

10.45 – welcome and introductions including keynote, Councillor Jemima Laing

11.05 – 12.15 Session 1: Why?

how to develop strategic advocacy objectives and what to measure in order to demonstrate the value of your organisation (Kate Farmery)

Includes a case study presentation and break-out group

12.15-1.15 – lunch, networking, introduction to The Box archives

1.15-2.25 Session 2: Who?

how to identify, understand and influence your stakeholders (Kate Farmery)

Includes a case study presentation and break-out group

2.25-2.45 – tea, coffee and networking

2.45-3.55 - Session 3: How?

How to communicate and connect with your stakeholders and the media (Gillian Taylor)

Includes a case study presentation and break-out group

3.55-4.15 – recap, questions, evaluation and close

Apply for a travel bursary

A limited number of bursaries up to £150 are available to help cover travel costs for delegates who have to pay for their own travel. Priority will be given to delegates travelling from outside Plymouth and successful applicants will be reimbursed after their attendance. Apply for a travel bursary by 9 October, 5pm.

Additional information

This course will take place in the Conference room at The Box, Plymouth. Further details about the venue will be sent to you in advance. Plymouth is easy to reach from many parts of the country, with direct rail connections (including journeys from London in under three hours).

Please bear in mind that this course is free for participants but comes at a cost to The National Archives. There are also a limited number of places. Cancelling your place at short notice or not showing up prevents another person from being able to attend. Please ensure that you give as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend, so that your place can be reallocated.

This event is in-person only for participants.

If you have any questions about this course, please contact asl@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Trainers biographies

Kate Farmery is a passionate advocate for museums, libraries and archives and believes in the power of a great story to win hearts and minds. As a senior leader within the sector, she has led stakeholder engagement and created extensive advocacy materials for Manchester City Galleries, Torbay Culture and The Box, Plymouth (where the city’s archives are centre stage). She is in demand as a speaker and trainer, curating national Museums Association and Arts Marketing Association conferences and delivering training for Libraries Unlimited and Association of Cultural Enterprises. She lives in Devon with her art historian partner and rebellious, cricket-mad son.

Gillian Taylor is a freelance PR, marketing and advocacy consultant, working with arts, cultural & heritage organisations in SW England and nationally. She helps raise profiles, gets stories in the news, publicises events, makes videos and creates a buzz online. Gillian runs training courses in person and online for arts, museums and archive professionals. Topics include getting stories in the news, ‘telling your story’, media interview techniques, confidence on camera and smartphone video-making.

Training clients include National Museums Scotland, The Hornim

Description supplied by the event organiser.