Richard Wragg of the Diversity Allies Leadership Committee gives us an update on what the group has in the pipeline for 2022…

The Diversity Allies Leadership Committee met on 18 November to continue planning our activities for 2022. We believe we’ve identified a series of actions that will support increasing diversity and inclusion in the sector. We’ll publish the plan soon but I thought readers might be interested to know what sorts of things we will be doing.

The External Resource and Compilation working group will continue to maintain an up-to-date list of useful content for the sector. Meanwhile, the Approaching Marginalised Communities working group will seek to showcase examples of effective relationship building through a series of talks. We are keen to develop – or support the development of – resources, for example in relation to cataloguing as well as inclusive communication. Finally, we will be doing some fact-finding work to investigate how we can best support the ongoing work of the ARA’s sections and regions.

These are quite specific actions but it’s important to add that the Diversity Allies will continue to be a point of contact for colleagues and those looking to enter the sector. If you have questions, would like some information, or would like us to raise anything on your behalf with the ARA Board, please do get in touch.

As we continue with the various activities we have planned, we’re keen to welcome new members to the Diversity Allies group, specifically to join the working groups for:

• External Resource Compilation
• Accessibility
• Campaigns and Awareness.

If you’re interested in volunteering, and would like to know more about what’s involved, then please contact me at diversityandinclusion@archives.org.uk.

I’d also like to encourage you to take a look at the new Archives and Records Association website where the Diversity Allies have a presence – https://www.archives.org.uk/diversity-inclusion-allies. Here, you can find more information about the Allies and links to the guidance and resources that we are compiling. We’ll keep updating this page and are very happy to receive recommendations for – and comments on – the content.

Richard Wragg
ARA Diversity Allies