CILIP, the UK’s library and information association and the Archives & Records Association (ARA) have jointly convened a Workforce Data Consortium (please see below for a full list of partners) to fund a Workforce Mapping Survey of the library, archives, records, information and knowledge sector. This survey builds on the previous Workforce Mapping carried out in 2015 by CILIP and ARA; the insights gathered from the previous survey led to the creation of CILIP Pathways and the establishment of our diversity networks.

This sector - which includes libraries, archives, records management, information management, data protection and Knowledge Management disciplines - is experiencing a period of great change and disruption. All organisations within the consortium have ambitions to support this professional workforce, and in order to do so, we need access to accurate workforce data.

With the changes happening across the profession, we also believe that workforce data is less valuable if it is situated solely within one sector. Many initiatives, such as the ambition to diversify the workforce, the introduction of Apprenticeships or the process of ‘digital upskilling’ depend on cross-industry data.

This Workforce Mapping project will establish an initial baseline survey from which we will seek to provide a periodic update every 4 years, based on:

• A ‘core’ online survey covering key workforce data points, including demographics, sector and nation-specific data;
• A more in-depth ‘topical’ online survey covering extended data relating to specific topics or agendas.

The topical focus for 2021-22 will be on Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion in the professional workforce.

The Workforce Data Consortium is now welcoming tenders from suitably qualified and experienced individuals, institutions and organisations with a proven record of workforce survey and mapping, or similar, and the creation of usable business intelligence for sectors.

More information on the project and how to apply can be found here in the Invitation to Tender. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 17th November 2021

The Workforce Data Consortium consists of:
Archives and Records Association (ARA), The Art Libraries Society, CILIP, Culture and Sport Division of the Welsh Government, Health Education England, Information & Records Management Society, Libraries Connected, The National Archives, Scottish Library and Information Council.