Associate Head of Lambeth Palace Library (Innovation and Delivery

Job Description

Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and archive of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the principal repository for the archives of the national bodies of the Church of England. Founded in 1610, it is freely open for public use and serves as a research centre specialising in church history, with wide ranging archive, manuscript and printed collections dating from the ninth century to the present day, including modern archives and digital records.

Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and archive of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the principal repository for the archives of the national bodies of the Church of England. Founded in 1610, it is freely open for public use and serves as a research centre specialising in church history, with wide ranging archive, manuscript and printed collections dating from the ninth century to the present day, including modern archives and digital records.

The Library’s vision is to collect, preserve and make accessible the memory of the Church of England, so that its history can be explored and enjoyed by all. Alongside its long standing strengths, the Library is developing new ways of improving access to collections and supporting research, learning and engagement.

This is a new senior role. Reporting directly to the Head of Lambeth Palace Library, the postholder will ensure that cross‑Library programmes are well coordinated and delivered. This includes leading programmes and projects, supporting colleagues in complex work, and overseeing areas such as digital development, access and outreach. Working closely with the Head of Lambeth Palace Library, the postholder will help translate strategic priorities into practical delivery across the organisation.

The Library comprises around 35–40 staff working across four core teams:
Printed Books, Archives, Collections Care, and Operations. The Associate Head will lead a fifth, specialist team with defined functional responsibilities, including digital preservation, imaging services and inclusive cataloguing practice, while also coordinating work that sits across and between the Library’s core teams.

This is a predominantly office‑based role. Regular on‑site attendance is expected to support effective leadership, collaboration, and the delivery of in‑person services. Hybrid working is available, with the opportunity to work from home typically one day per week.

The closing date for this role is 06 September 2026.

Interviews will be held on 24 September in Lambeth Palace Library.

This role combines senior leadership, programme delivery and people leadership. The postholder will operate at a senior level within the Library and the wider National Church Institutions, leading a small specialist team, coordinating cross‑Library activity, making a significant contribution to the development of strategy, and taking responsibility for ensuring organisational priorities are delivered effectively.

• Provide senior leadership for programmes and areas of work, working in partnership with colleagues to help set direction, prioritise activity and ensure delivery.
• Take senior responsibility for areas of work that span teams and carry organisational, operational or reputational risk, ensuring appropriate escalation, assurance and mitigation.
• Support major cross‑Library initiatives such as accreditation and the implementation of new systems, working alongside professional leads where appropriate.
• Act on behalf of the Head of Lambeth Palace Library when required, with delegated authority to provide assurance, support decision‑making and represent the Library at an appropriate senior level.

• Lead the strategic development of digital preservation across the National Church Institutions, including defining scope, governance, delivery approach and assurance.
• Lead and support planning for improved access and discovery, including digital programmes, digitisation, and how collections are described and presented online.
• Provide senior oversight of inclusive and responsible description across catalogues and systems, including the…