This paper will present research from the first empirical study to explore the perceptions and experiences of recordkeepers specifically managing trauma in war or conflict related archives. With ongoing war and conflict around the world, this paper will demonstrate that there is a need for institutions, and the wider sector, to work with recordkeepers in this field to implement necessary support and guidance for future recordkeepers managing trauma in the archive.

This paper will present findings from semi-structured interviews with 14 recordkeepers who predominantly worked with archives relating to war or conflict to suggest what the sector can do next to support future recordkeepers.

The research will highlight that individuals experienced signs of vicarious trauma and were further influenced by interconnecting factors such as their coping styles, the form of the archival content, the personal aspects of the content and the sense of responsibility felt towards the records and the people associated with them. Collective responses indicated recordkeepers in this area experience bystander guilt, preoccupation with the records outside of work and lingering feelings of sadness. Yet institutions holding war or conflict related archives lack policies or practical guidance for dealing with these exposures.

This paper will present what support participants want for the future and will call for the sector to recognise the challenges involved in managing these archives but reimagine them as opportunities to work together to build a safer environment for future recordkeepers.

This paper is a case study in real time of an ongoing project, relating to the archive of internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Terence Davies (1945-2023), which is held at Edge Hill University. It will reflect on discussions and work we are doing with partners and key stakeholders, addressing issues of diversity, trauma, identity and our responsibility as custodians of a personal and professional archive.

Terence was an openly gay man from a working class, Catholic family, with an abusive father – themes which are strong and powerful threads throughout the archive and his work. This paper will consider how we acknowledge and share these topics through cataloguing and engagement. This becomes increasingly complex when, for example, Terence regarded his own sexuality as a source of great misery; an attitude that can seem surprising when compared to many other gay artists and public figures. Under these circumstances, should Terence’s own views about his sexuality and trauma influence how we describe and share the collection? Does the way we deal with these sensitivities change when some of Terence’s closest colleagues and friends remain key stakeholders in our project and are actively involved in securing his posthumous reputation? As a collection that is generating a significant level of international interest, with forthcoming publications, retrospectives and exhibitions, do we have a responsibility to monitor, and even influence, how Terence and his work is represented? Join us as we reflect on how the project has developed and share how we have approached these and other challenges.

Traditional roles in archives such as appraisal, cataloguing, digitisation, enquiry handling, and exhibition curation can expose staff to challenging records, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing. The impact of these records varies greatly among individuals, based on their personal experiences. While it is impossible to anticipate and mitigate every potential emotional trigger, organisational support should be in place for when such instances occur.

This paper introduces a Toolkit designed to support staff by facilitating conversations about their experiences and promoting active listening. The Toolkit aims to improve staff wellbeing by initiating discussions, suggesting practical adjustments, and signposting organisational support services. It bridges the gap between archive sector guidance and organisational support, focusing on staff who encounter emotionally challenging records unexpectedly.

A pilot study at the University of Leicester explored how line managers can utilise existing organisational support services and encourage staff engagement with institutional wellbeing initiatives for self-care. While recognising organisational limitations such as culture, finances, and physical space, the Toolkit encourages organisations to reflect on and better utilise their existing infrastructure to support staff wellbeing.

The Toolkit was created by Sarah Wood, Assistant Archivist at the University of Leicester. It was completed during her Professional Fellowship year on The National Archives and Research Libraries UK Professional Fellowship Scheme, 2024-2025.

This paper seeks to present the findings of the pilot study and discuss the implementation and impact of the Toolkit in the workplace, highlighting its role in fostering a supportive work environment and promoting emotional resilience among archive staff.