Job Description

Additional File

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK\'s thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer including:

• 30 days\' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).

with an average employer contribution of 27%. * Access to training and development.

• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Strategic Estates (SE) team aims to deliver a comfortable, safe and efficient environment for Members, their staff and staff of the House to work in; as well as providing a welcoming and functional environment for all visitors to the House of Commons. The department is also responsible for looking after and managing buildings, capital projects and significant assets on the Parliamentary Estate, which itself forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Heritage Collections Team (HCT) within Strategic Estates are responsible for the professional management of three collections of national and international importance: the Parliamentary Art Collection (PAC), the Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection (HFDA), and the Architectural Fabric Collection (AFC).

The Parliamentary Art Collection includes 10,000 artworks, the majority of which are on display across the Parliamentary Estate, and consists of paintings, sculpture, works on paper and other media ranging from ceramics to textiles, medals and political collectibles. The Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection includes 11,000 objects including historic furniture, clocks, silver and ceramics. It is a working collection with many objects in daily use across the Parliamentary Estate fulfilling the role for which they were designed and made. The Architectural Fabric Collection includes over 5,000 items which were commissioned for the Palace of Westminster but have been detached from the built fabric and historic interiors.

The Role

We are looking for a Conservation Manager to join our Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Team. You will be responsible for managing the care of the HFDA Collection working with the Heritage Collections Functional Lead for Conservation and Keeper of HFDA, and closely with other conservators in the wider HCT. You will develop and manage the on-going, prioritised conservation plan and develop preventive care initiatives/protocols to reduce the risk of future damage to the Collection arising from its use and engagement through projects and events.

The Conservation Manager will provide professional advice, take decisions, and manage projects which impact on the future condition of our historic items, ensuring they are fit for purpose as many are used on a daily basis in a busy working environment. You will also manage third, external parties in the conservation and other remedial work for the HFDA and manage one conservation post.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Manage, policy and planning. Develop and manage the conservation plan for the HFDA collection ensuring it remains relevant and meets the demands of key stakeholders. Plan preventive and remedial conservation programmes in liaison with the Keeper, colleagues in HFDA and the wider HCT, stakeholders and senior managers. Input into policies and standards as required.
• Organise remedial conservation. Manage the assessment and condition checking of the HFDA Collection and deliver remedial conservation projects in line with the agreed conservation plan. Decide what work can be done in-house or needs to be sent to external conservators. Ensure work meets the requirements for items to remain in safe use informed by on-going research into the collection; ensure documentation is provided and retained and all projects comply with H&S and COSHH regulations.
• Advise on collections care and conservation. Provide advice and work collaboratively with the Keeper and other Conservators on general collections care and conservation. Provide expertise on historic furniture and its maintenance and conservation and advise colleagues when planned works (events, cleaning, catering etc) affect the Collection.

Skills and Experience

Experience

• Experience being in a responsible conservation role at a public sector museum, art gallery, historic house or working building or working in a furniture conservation company or workshop.
• Experience of object moves and decants, and the associated work required, including object handling and knowledge of the assessment and mitigation of risks to objects.

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Current conservation practice/approach in the conservation/restoration of historic furniture plus an understanding of furniture design and construction.
• The conservation of decorative arts objects.
• Conservation standards, policies and processes and development of new strategies for collection care preferably in a working environment.
• Thorough, analytical and highly organised with good time management skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams efficiently and to a high standard.
• Ability to think strategically, problem-solve and react to a fast-paced environment in a dynamic and positive way.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• CV & Supporting Statement - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and supporting statement with a 500-word limit.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the .

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

UK Parliament