What's new

Date: 
Tuesday, 15 July, 2025

Job title Communications and Impact Manager  

Reports to Chief Executive  

Salary £38,110 pro rata 

Contract Permanent 

Hours 30 hours, 4 days a week (Monday to Thursday) 

Holiday 20 days plus Bank Holidays  

Location Home working, with some travel   

Closing date for applications: 4 August 2025 

 

Who we're looking for

Brilliant storyteller with confidence in their digital marketing, copywriting and PR skills. 

Changemaker who is excited about embedding and championing our new brand. 

Motivated communicator who will improve engagement with our stakeholders. 

Creative leader who enjoys a proactive and responsive environment. 

Impact and evidence champion to influence target audiences, raise awareness and garner support. 

Values-led collaborator who will build strong relationships with our team, members and strategic partners. 

 

About our Charity

Our focus is on creating libraries of tomorrow with children and young people today.  

We want all children and young people to feel at home at the library, to be understood, empowered and inspired. Our collaborative network is made up of member, partners and supporters. We believe in the need for safe spaces and real-life connections to support the demands of modern life. Together, we’re creating change, and you can be a part of it.  

Our charity is going through a rebirth, with a new name, strategy and brand identity launching this autumn. This is a pivotal time for a passionate, skilled communicator to join our team. We’re looking for someone to bring the energy and expertise to take us into this new chapter and to new heights, maximising impact and reach. 

We are an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation. Our members are leaders in children and young people’s public libraries and schools library services (SLS).   

 

We’re looking for someone who lives our values - progressive, collaborative, kind, aspirational and inclusive. 

What’s important to us needs to be important to you too. We want to focus on impact, to work openly, to collaborate with and learn from others, to take the time to care for ourselves and each other, and to have fun together. We want to build an environmentally sustainable charity, and we want to be celebrated as an inclusion changemaker in the sector. 

Experience as a communications professional is essential and you’ll be energised by the opportunity to: 

  • Raise our profile higher within the sector. 
  • Raise awareness of the range of activities and impacts libraries deliver for children and young people through research, evidence and compelling communication. 
  • Develop, manage and deliver targeted advocacy for public libraries and schools library services. 
  • Maintain and cultivate proactive relationships with advocacy and influencing partners to ensure children and young people are always represented in national policy discussions. 
  • Embed and champion a strong brand, which supports our members and resonates with new stakeholders to ensure we are the ‘go to partner’ for children and young people’s libraries. 
  • Maximise our use of existing and new research and data to evidence the impact of library services for children and young people’s and schools library services. 
  • Promote the sector-leading work of our charity, grow our membership and develop new and innovative ways to increase our reach and engagement. 
  • Develop a strong case for support to attract new funders and supporters. 

If you see the impact and research aspect of the role as an area of development for you, we’ll be happy to provide training and connect you with other organisations to learn from. As a small and growing charity, we’re all learning every day, and we’re keen to find someone who is curious and collaborative. We know we won’t get it right every time and understand these are moments to reflect and learn together. 

This is a great opportunity to help shape the culture of our new charity, to amplify the voices of children and young people on issues that matter for them in libraries policy, and to champion our network though advocacy and evidence. 

Our application process is open to everyone and anyone with the experience we’re looking for. We have a diverse board of trustees, but we know our staff team is not as diverse as we need for the future, as we grow. We particularly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, stages of life and those with hidden or visible disabilities. 

 

About the work 

We have been working closely with freelance communications expertise. The Communication and Impact Manager is a new role for the charity. You will join a small and growing team, who are passionate about our mission and vision. You will also work closely with our members (senior children’s library and schools library service leaders) and sector partners. 

We are in the final stages of creating our strategy for the future. You’ll be supporting us across all four pillars, with a particular focus on our Champion goals

Activate - Amplifying young voices with libraries locally, regionally and nationally. 

Develop - Enabling library services with knowledge, expertise and inclusive practice. 

Energise - Connecting our member network to harness opportunities and overcome challenges. 

Champion - Raising awareness and making the case of children and young people’s public library services and schools library services. 

 

Benefits 

You will benefit from: 

  • Home working, with quarterly in person team days and opportunities to visit our partners across the country with paid travel, accommodation and expenses. 
  • 4 weeks (20 days pro rata) holiday, plus bank holidays. 
  • 5% employer pension contribution. 
  • Employee assist programme – including 24/7 counselling, health support and legal helpline. 
  • A range of discounts on retail, entertainment, travel and wellbeing discounts. 

 

Next steps/ How to apply 

Full details of the job role can be downloaded here

If you are interested in this role, please send a CV with this short application form to [email protected] by 9am on Monday 4th August. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we ask that you consider completing our anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form. 

If you have any questions about the role, or want to chat about it before applying, please get in touch with [email protected]. 

If you are not certain that you meet all the criteria, or want to explore a different working pattern, please consider applying anyway; there is flexibility in the way this role could work. We are open to job shares and other flexible working arrangements (currently all of us work 4 days a week, as we strive to create work life balance). 

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss specific requirements, please get in touch with Tabitha Witherick at [email protected]. 

 All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. Please also note that appointment will be made subject to collection of two references and a satisfactory DBS check or evidence of a current DBS certificate. 

Interviews will be held online on Thursday 7th August. 

Date: 
Wednesday, 21 May, 2025

Our vision is for every library to be a place where children and young people feel they belong. To achieve this, libraries must have access to high quality training in engaging children and young people and working with them co-creatively.  

Thanks to funding from Foyle Foundation, we can now take our existing training offer to the next level. Our SparkSpace learning module, plus toolkit and resources, will train the library workforce and volunteers in how to connect, engage and co-create with children and young people, including those with lived experience of marginalisation and deprivation.  

This training will be free to access and is due to launch in December 2025.  

Are you a co-creative content producer? Do you have an existing network of children and young people that you can bring with you to support this exciting work? If so (or you know anyone who has this expertise), please submit your proposal to us by 13th June. The Invitation to Tender document can be found here.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASCEL: Invitation to Tender   

Title: SparkSpace – Co-created Content for Online Learning Module, Toolkit and Resources 

Return to: [email protected]  

Deadline for receipt of tender proposals: 12 noon 13 June 2025 

  

1. INTRODUCTION   

This Invitation to Tender (ITT) specifies the requirements for developing and delivering co-created content for a new online learning module (SparkSpace), plus a toolkit and resources. This module, toolkit and resources will be used to support the learning and development of the library workforce across the UK, including volunteers.  

 The following details are outlined in this document:   

  • Background   

  • Objectives of this project  

  • The Brief   

  • Contract Management and Governance  

  • Workplan and milestones  

  • Budget  

  • The terms of business relating to the award of any contract   

  • Process for submitting proposals  

  • Further Information  

  • Compliance  

  

2. BACKGROUND  

  2.1 ASCEL https://www.ascel.org.uk/  

ASCEL is the national network for senior leaders in children's, public and schools library services. Created by and for members, we provide training, peer support, best practice, resources and networking initiatives that enable our members to give children and young people a dynamic, exciting and innovative library experience and amplify their voices.  

Our network of active regional committees support place-based partnership working across the country and help to drive our national impact.  

ASCEL is a charity that receives funding from Arts Council England as an Investment  Principles Support Organisation (IPSO). We are a membership organisation that supports every public library service for children and young people and school library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

2.2 Engaging Children and Young People – ASCEL's existing work 

ASCEL’s Youth Engagement Network programme supports library services to build meaningful relationships with children and young people whose voices are often unheard in libraries. Through this programme, libraries co-create activities with children and young people, including those from marginalised or deprived backgrounds, and gain access to invaluable learning and development opportunities. Our aim is to extend this learning to the wider library workforce, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to engage and co-create more meaningfully with children and young people. We want libraries to be confident in creating opportunities for children and young people to: 

  • Have their voice heard in libraries, especially in any decision-making that impacts them  
  • Learn new skills  
  • Work as part of a team and feel part of their community  
  • Volunteer in libraries and more 

  

3. OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROJECT  

The SparkSpace project is funded by the Foyle Foundation, and will enable library services to work inclusively, equitably and co-creatively with all children and young people, including those with lived experience of marginalisation or deprivation. This online module will be freely available to all library teams including volunteers and partners beyond the library sector. We will use the rich learning from our Youth Engagement Network programme, plus our member skills audit, to build an interactive learning experience that’s co-created with children, young people, our members and expert partners, and which will bring much-needed specialist skills and direction to the library workforce. 

SparkSpace will include the following, which will be co-created with children and young people, our members and national partners:  

  • An online learning module  

  • A downloadable toolkit  

  • A downloadable pack of learning resources 

 

4. THE BRIEF  

  The contractor will:  

  • Lead co-creative development sessions with their existing network of children and young people, and attend co-creative sessions with ASCEL members and national partners, to establish the following:
    • A suitable structure and approach for the online learning module, toolkit and resources
    •  Suitable content for the online learning module, toolkit and resources 

  • Commit to safeguarding: The contractor will demonstrate that they have proactive policy and practice in place to fulfil their duty to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of all children and young people involved in the development of the learning module, resources and toolkit, both online and in person.  

  • Produce content for training: Based on the outcome of the co-creative process, the contractor will produce content for the online learning module, toolkit and resources. We anticipate this content will include:

    • Video content for the online learning module
    • Images for the online learning module, toolkit and resource
    • Written content for the online learning module, toolkit and resources
    • Visual presentation for the toolkit and resources (i.e. content presented appropriately using a tool such as Canva).  

  • Ensure all content has the appropriate approvals and permissions for use in the public domain. 

  • Respond to feedback from the children and young people, ASCEL members and national partners, and amend the content based on this feedback.  

  • Liaise with the freelance Project Manager, attending steering group meetings and providing status updates when required. 

  • Produce one short video for ASCEL to use as promotion on our social media channels.  

  • Liaise with the Learning Module Developer to establish the right structure and presentation for the online learning module, by no later than early September 2025. 

  • Provide the Learning Module Developer with all content, including video content and images, by mid-October 2025. 

  • Gather feedback and quotes from the group of children and young people regarding their experience of the co-creative process, to use in the project evaluation and marketing.  

  

5. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE    

  • The contract will be directly managed by the Programme Manager at ASCEL. 

  • The work will be supported by a steering group of ASCEL Members and the ASCEL team, plus freelance Project Manager and Communications Consultant.

 

6. WORKPLAN AND MILESTONES  

  We envisage the project will follow this workplan, but proposals can set out an alternative timetable to meet the brief.   

 Overall programme plan  

Activity: Time Period 
Milestone: Date  
Invitation to Tender published   Friday 23 May 2025
Closing date    Midday Friday 13 June 2025
Appointment of successful contractor By Thursday 26 June
ASCEL member Steering Group meeting 1  Week beginning 8 July 
Develop and deliver co-creative sessions  July - August 
ASCEL member Steering Group meeting 2 Week beginning 8 Sept
Liaise with Learning Module Developer to agree structure and approach  Early September 
Develop content for online learning module, toolkit and resources (to include amendments)  August – October 
ASCEL member Steering Group meeting 3  Week beginning 10 Nov 
Deliver content to Learning Module Developer  Mid-October 
Contribute feedback for project evaluation  November
Presentation and sign off of final online module, toolkit and resources (Trustees, steering group, CEO and Chair) December
Final evaluation of project submitted  December

 

 

7. BUDGET   

A maximum of £ 12,000 inclusive of VAT is available for this work, to include any costs incurred with developing and delivering video content, written content and images.  

ASCEL will convene the member steering group and work with the Foyle Foundation to provide progress / final reports.  

    

8. THE TERMS OF BUSINESS RELATING TO THE AWARD OF ANY CONTRACT   

 Payment at key milestones in two instalments subject to satisfactory progress and delivery of the project.   

  

9. PROCESS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS  

 9.1       Procurement timetable  

  • Submission by 13 June 2025 
  • Award selection process completed by end of June, 2025   

  

9.2       Proposal submission  

Please submit proposals by email to [email protected]  

Proposals must be submitted by 13 June 2025  

Proposals should be no more than 2500 words and should include:  

  •   Understanding of the brief  

  • An outline methodology for achieving the brief  

  • A statement of your skills and experience in context of this brief including names and experience of each person assigned to the project. Examples and links to relevant reports you have written or contributed to should be included  

  • An outline work plan and timetable for this work   

  • A clear breakdown of costs which includes all rates, fees, and expenses you are anticipating for the project. If you are VAT registered this must be included in your costings  

  • Evidence of your safeguarding policy and practice, and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

  • Two contactable referees who could provide a relevant reference of your suitability to work on this project  

 

9.3 Evaluation of proposals  

We will evaluate proposals using these criteria:  

CRITERIA  
WEIGHTING  
 
Extent to which proposal demonstrates an understanding of the brief  

25  
 
Having a working relationship with a group of diverse children and young people, and the necessary skills to co-create the learning content with them, plus ASCEL members and national partners 

25 
 
Knowledge and experience relevant to the project, including experience of running co-creative sessions, development of learning materials, strategic planning and safeguarding 

25  
 
Ability to produce content that engages and inspires learners 

15  
 
Cost (Value for money)  

10  

  

10. FURTHER INFORMATION  

For an informal discussion about the work, please contact: [email protected]  

 

11. COMPLIANCE  

ASCEL reserves the right to disqualify any provider’s response to this ITT if it does not fully comply with the requirements contained therein. This is particularly relevant in relation to the stated closing date and time of applications.  

ASCEL is not responsible for and will not pay for any expenses or losses you incur during, but not limited to, the application preparation, visits, negotiations, or interviews in relation to this procurement process. It is your responsibility to ensure that any consortium member, sub-contractor, and adviser abide by the conditions set out by ASCEL.  

In submitting a response to this ITT, it will be implied that you accept all the provisions of this ITT including these conditions.  

If ASCEL needs to change any information contained within this ITT before the closing date, you will be written to advise you of these changes, which includes the extension of any submission deadlines. ASCEL reserves the right to cancel or suspend this ITT process at any time but will notify you in writing as soon as possible if this occurs.  

It is expected that the contractor will work within the values and behaviours of ASCEL and this will be part of the contract of engagement.  

Our values are:  

  • Progressive 
  • Collaborative 
  • Inclusive 
  • Aspirational 
  • Kind 

 

Date: 
Thursday, 1 May, 2025

Who we are 

The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL)  is the national network of senior leaders in children’s, public and schools library services. We provide training, peer support, best practice, resources and networking initiatives that enable our members to give children and young people a dynamic, inclusive and innovative library experience.  We're a young, forward thinking charity, which is eager to develop and grow. 

In a world where children and young people need real-life connections and safe spaces, our mission is to harness valuable support and resources to enable libraries to amplify young voices; co-creating vibrant, relevant and inclusive services, spaces and programmes that empower and inspire. 

The roles 

 

Chair 

We are looking for our next chair/co-chair of the board to take the charity forward through the next three years, after our current chair stands down in December 2025.  You'll have excellent communication and leadership skills and will be able to work effectively with the small executive team to deliver ASCEL's vision.  Previous experience of chairing a board is desirable but not mandatory,  as we will offer support. 

 

Trustees 

We’re also looking for additional trustees to join our board from a variety of different backgrounds and with a number of different skill sets, including: 

  • Finance skills - to be part of and/or chair the Finance Committee 
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion experience - including diverse lived experiences and/or a track record in community engagement and amplifying children and young people’s voices.
  • Research and evaluation skills - to help guide ASCEL through a number of upcoming research projects 
  • Communication skills - we're looking for strategic communication and charity brand development 
  • Small charity management skills - of a small or medium charity 
  • Commercial development experience - including contracts, growing revenue and/or membership 
  • Strategic planning skills - experience of strategic planning and organisational development.  

If you are interested in joining our friendly and committed board, please send a CV and covering letter setting out how you feel you can offer what we're seeking, to Tabitha Witherick at [email protected] by midday 2 June 2025. 

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview online on Monday 30 June or Tuesday 1 July 2025. Please let us know if you have any access needs.

If you have any questions, please email Annabel Gittins at

[email protected].

  

The closing date for completed application forms is midday 2nd June 2025. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

Trustee Pack

Role description for the chair

 

 

Date: 
Monday, 3 March, 2025

The ASCEL Skills Development Pack, 2024

 

ASCEL’s Skills Audit provides a ‘snapshot’ of our members' team’s strengths in delivering children’s services in libraries, and where they feel there are gaps in skills and knowledge. This year, we compare with 2023's results, showcase comments, and explain how ASCEL is responding to training needs. National partners such as Arts Council England and Libraries Connected share their views too.

We've collated the responses from our 2024 audit and created full reports for libraries and SLS, a mapping tool to identify and assess a team's skill level in key areas and a free training guide.

The pack is our members' one-stop for skills assessment, mapping and training planning.

All available to download for ASCEL members.

Date: 
Tuesday, 21 January, 2025

ASCEL shines a crucial spotlight on the role and impact of School Library Services (SLSs) in England following a 20-year gap in evidence.  

Supported by Arts Council funding, ASCEL commissioned Leeds University to conduct research into the provision of School Library Services (SLSs) to understand the service breadth, gaps in provision, different business models, funding arrangements and health of the service across the country. The research took place between January to November 2024. 

The resulting report includes quantitative and qualitative evidence from 39 SLSs (confirming there are 41 in England, with evidence to suggest a further 16 are in operation), and shares key findings and strategic evidence which offers advice for the maintenance and development of a successful SLS. 

Read the SLS Report summary here

Read the full SLS Report here

Key research findings: 

  • Of the 39 SLSs that responded, 24 are part of the library service in their area. 
  • The ratio of SLS staff to number of schools ranges from 1:7 to 1:43. 
  • Book loans are the most common service, followed by advice and consultation, book awards and artefact loans. 
  • 100% of respondents agreed that their SLS contributed positively to teaching and learning. 
  • Just 9% said their SLS was financially secure in the long-term. 

Excerpts from the case studies within the report include: 

“The knowledge of the staff is astounding. The team are constantly reading and reviewing books, which despite being time-consuming, is very much worth it. This develops their own expertise of children’s books and themes, something they can readily offer the schools and teachers they work with.” 

“There’s a whole generation of teachers and even SLT who haven’t experienced a good quality, working school library. There’s a memory gap to fill and SLSs need to be good at demonstrating what they can offer.” 

“The SLS team’s expertise can help expand the books the teachers use in their classes to include more contemporary, local and diverse literature." 

We are engaging with SLS members of ASCEL to discuss the findings of the report and identify next steps. 

Date: 
Tuesday, 14 January, 2025

ASCEL is working with libraries across the country to build a Youth Engagement Network, to ensure children and young people's voices are heard within our sector.

Funded by Arts Council England, the Youth Engagement Network programme pilot took place from January to August 2024. The aim of the project is to connect library services from across the country with local children and young people from marginalised groups, who do not currently engage with their library, to shape activities that will encourage younger generations to access libraries. The purpose of the network is to listen to and represent young voices, putting them at the centre of decision-making and designing ways for them to influence national policy in libraries and culture. 

Seven library services across England - Luton Libraries, Norfolk Library & Information Service, Kirklees Library & Information Service, Newham Libraries, Slough Libraries, Libraries Unlimited (Devon), Cornwall Libraries  - tested co-created approaches with a total of 56 young people aged 11-13 years old, including those who are neurodivergent, to engage young audiences with libraries and give them an opportunity to share their ideas.

Read the interim report 

Key research findings: 

  • 90% of young people felt more welcome in the library because of working directly with their local library service on specific projects. 
  • 100% of participants felt that their opinions, ideas and feelings were listened to and heard and 86% enjoyed the experience. 
  • 76% of participants said that the co-created activities helped to improve their communication skills, which will support their future development in school, volunteering and work. 
  • 71% of participants gained new knowledge and skills, in digital marketing, creative skills, writing, and library-related knowledge. Bringing in external expertise enabled more opportunities to learn enhanced skills. 
  • 71% of library staff experienced increased confidence in developing and delivering co-created projects with young people 
  • 86% of library staff feel better equipped to articulate the value of co-created work in libraries as a direct result of the programme.  
  • Staff gained a deeper insight into the library from the perspective of a neurodiverse young person and develop confidence in working specifically with neurodivergent and SEND-identifying young people, which is essential for fully accessible library services. 

Discover the individual case study learnings below: 

Barnstable Library (Libraries Unlimited)

Kirklees Libraries

Luton Libraries

Norfolk Libraries

Young participants of the programme said:  

“It was a wonderful experience. I felt relaxed and calm.” 

“Something I didn’t know before is how fun the library is.” 

Library staff participants said: 

“The young people loved the idea of being involved in decision making, particularly around stock selection. They were interested in processes and the carbon reduction possibilities libraries offer.” 

“Many of the young people felt the significance of a library and why they need to exist. Some had no idea just how big Central Library was and what was truly on offer for them and other members.” 

“It was my first time co-creating, but it worked out really well and it has given me the confidence to do it again. It was great to have the training and support sessions from ASCEL to fall back on and know that we could share ideas with others around the country if needed.” 

What’s next 

  • The learnings from the pilot are informing our future training and guidance to best support our whole network in engaging young people now and in the future.  
  • Phase 2 of the Youth Engagement Network begins in January 2025, welcoming 14 more library services to the programme. They will adopt a holistic approach, bringing in experts such as Participation People to support libraries, and encouraging libraries to work with local partners where possible.  
Date: 
Wednesday, 28 August, 2024

 

Today we - the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL), the School Library Association and the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) including CILIP’s School Libraries Group (CILIP SLG) wrote to the Minister for School Standards offering our support with their programmes and asking for an opportunity to discuss how school libraries can support the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity for all. We look forward to hearing back in due course.

Download the letter here, or read the text of the letter:

 

School librarians stand ready to work with you on increasing opportunity for all

Many congratulations on your recent election victory and your appointment as Minister for School Standards.

We write as the leaders of national charities representing school library staff; the School Library Association, the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) including CILIP’s School Libraries Group (CILIP SLG), and the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL).

Together, we support everyone involved in school libraries so that every child can have the best educational experience. Between us we have thousands of members across the UK, and hundreds of volunteers help us to deliver our activities.

We would love to meet with you to discuss how school libraries can support the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity for all; not just in their role providing access to books and other resources to support attainment, but also their role in equipping children with the skills which will be needed for careers in an economy of the future, and as informed citizens.

Our members are delivering sessions on media and information literacy, culture and creativity, research and digital skills, as well as encouraging children to develop teamworking skills, grow their confidence, and develop their sense of their place in the world. Where school libraries meet high standards, they are evidenced to improve attainment, attitudes to learning and reading, and self-esteem. Schools and pupils benefit from a properly staffed and resourced school library, which relieves teachers’ workload and provides quiet, inclusive study spaces for pupils. School Library Services are a critical enabler within the education system, providing school libraries with resources and expertise to raise reading standards and support the curriculum.

However, schools are increasingly unable to benefit from these vital services, primarily due to the combined pressures of budget pressures and narrow accountability measures.

As you may already know, school libraries are not statutory, and yet many people think they are. Will the new Labour government be looking to increase transparency about this, perhaps by including whether a school has a library in Ofsted inspection reports? It also makes sense for Ofsted to reference the local public library offer for children, given its impact on families, especially disadvantaged families.

The Department for Education does not currently collect any data on school libraries and we have previously been told this would be a waste of money. However, without knowing where there are, and are not, school libraries we cannot identify and then act on trends to raise standards in an evidence-based way. For example, the Great School Libraries campaign has conducted research finding regional trends such as schools in the North East being less likely to have school libraries, and schools with a higher proportion of children eligible for Free School Meals being less likely to have a library, less likely to have a librarian, and less likely to have sufficient resources. The research also showed that schools without school libraries depend on local School Library Services and public library provision, meaning a better overall picture is required to understand contributing factors which may be further widening and ingraining educational inequalities and child poverty.

We would also love to have you come and speak at our events. The School Library Association is holding its annual conference in Northampton 6-7 June 2025, and we would be very pleased if you were able to attend and give a short speech to our delegates. Many of them are unclear about how the government view the role of school libraries, and, as with many support staff, feel tired and jaded at the moment. We welcome the announcement of a body to represent school support staff in pay negotiations as a vital step, so thank you for that.

We are also co-hosting a Libraries Change Lives Parliamentary reception soon focused on Opportunity, an invitation will follow in due course. Again, it would be fantastic if you could join us and say a few words.

Should you wish to discuss the above points, we would be delighted to meet you in Westminster or arrange a school library visit at a time convenient to you.

We wish you all the very best in your role as Minister for School Standards and look forward to working with you over the coming years.

Date: 
Thursday, 28 March, 2024

ASCEL is delighted to welcome our new Chief Executive Tabitha Witherick.

With 20 years’ experience leading libraries in local government and charities, her energy and expertise are set to help us grow and develop further as an Arts Council Investment Principles Support Organisation.

Tabitha says:

“I am thrilled to be joining ASCEL as Chief Executive. Leading this amazing charity, which focuses on the library offer for children and young people, at this exciting time in its development feels like the place for me to be. 
 
It’s a tough time for library leaders right now - there are significant financial challenges for local government at a time of exceptional societal need when we know children and young people benefit deeply from the services available at their local library. 
 
I’m driven by the difference libraries make to children and young people and I’m ambitious about extending our reach to ensure libraries are truly inclusive. I have huge respect for ASCEL’s achievements and feel lucky to be able to work with Members, Trustees, and young people to take the charity to the next phase of development.  

My initial focus will be building on the foundations that have been laid by colleagues before me - delivering a relevant member offer, engaging children and young people in all corners of the country, growing partnerships and developing the organisation to ensure we fulfil our ambitions. 

I will look further ahead with the Board of Trustees to vision our future, taking a longer-term view of our aspirations and securing opportunities for growth.

I’ll focus on developing strong links across the sector, starting with the opportunities arising from Baroness Sanderson’s recent independent review of English public libraries, which recommends universal membership for children. 

I will emphasise ASCELs unique position – our commitment to elevate young diverse voices as the charity that represents the expertise and experience of children and young people’s specialists across libraries – the power of public and school libraries combined.  

We will be constantly lifting up the voices of children and young people, to ensure they are centred in the future development of library services.  

Tabitha

ASCEL Chair Annabel Gittins says: 

"We are very excited to welcome Tabitha. She is joining a very cohesive Executive team who have achieved much in their first year, and I am sure her energy and ambition will ensure that ASCEL thrives and grows as an organisation.

We are also lucky to have had Sarah Mears expertly guide us through these last 4 months of transition and would like to thank her and Libraries Connected for their continued support."

Date: 
Tuesday, 23 January, 2024

We are delighted to announce Tabitha Witherick as the new CEO of ASCEL. 

Tabitha will bring visionary leadership, a wealth of library services experience and the ability to use the power of stories to elevate the role and impact of ASCEL. Her passion and energy to drive our strategic plans forward heralds an exciting new chapter for ASCEL, as we move forward with our ambitious plans for growth, going into our second year as an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation.

Currently Regional Development Manager at Libraries Connected - the national network for Librarians across the UK - Tabitha will join ASCEL at the end of March 2024. It’s an exciting time for the charity as we evolve and enhance our member services, peer support opportunities, training and resources.  

Tabitha is an experienced charity executive and chartered librarian, formerly Head of Library Service and Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited. She has a breadth of experience in leadership and a track record of delivering development projects and programmes, such as the acclaimed The Glass Box co-produced with young people, combining a passion for digital, creativity and experimentation. 

Tabitha Witherick says:

"It is a dream come true to be appointed as ASCEL's Chief Executive.

ASCEL’s mission, values and strategic ambitions very much align with my own; I’m driven by the difference libraries make to children and young people and I’m ambitious about ensuring libraries are truly inclusive.

I’m excited to bring my experience of working with library services, local government and charities to benefit ASCEL and the library sector.

I have huge respect for ASCEL’s achievements to date and I feel honoured to have this opportunity to work with the team, members and trustees to elevate the voices of young people and to take the charity into the exciting next phase of development.”

Annabel Gittins, Chair of ASCEL says:

 “We are delighted to have Tabitha joining ASCEL as the new CEO. She stood out in a very strong field of candidates. The ASCEL Board are looking forward to seeing her lead the organisation into its second year as an Investment Principles Support Organisation and developing the programme of work with the excellent executive team. A key part of this will be reviewing the Member’s offer and developing the Children’s Promise Alliance, thus ensuring that ASCEL is in an ideal position to grasp future opportunities.”

Isobel Hunter, CEO of Libraries Connected says:

“Tabitha has made a huge impact at Libraries Connected - her strategic expertise and experience have been invaluable in the set-up phase of our regional development project. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re delighted that ASCEL will now benefit from her passion, drive and deep knowledge of the libraries sector. It’s so important that children’s and school libraries have a dedicated organisation representing them and we’re excited to see ASCEL grow under Tabitha’s leadership.”

Tabitha Witherick has spent her career developing inclusive future facing library services.

For the last six months Tabitha has been working at Libraries Connected, initiating the Regional Development programme, building collaboration across the national member network.

She is an experienced charity executive and chartered librarian, formerly Head of Library Service and Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited, where she led commissioned library services across Devon and Torbay, the cultural programme funded by Arts Council (NPO), and Business & IP Centres, a partnership with the British Library. 

During her time at Somerset Libraries, Tabitha gained recognition for the development of The Glass Box, an ambitious and highly experimental digital skills project co-produced with young people. Tabitha is passionate about inclusion and believes that the voices of children and young people are essential in unlocking the full potential of libraries embedded within communities. 
 
During 2023 Tabitha became a Clore Social Fellow after completing the Experienced Leader programme. As a Trustee at a secondary Single Academy Trust she sits on the Finance, Audit and Risk and Governance and Nominations committees, and is the link trustee for GDPR, cybersecurity and parent communications.

Tabitha uses the pronouns she/her.

 

 

Date: 
Friday, 19 January, 2024

ASCEL responds to Baroness Sanderson’s Public Libraries Review

 

ASCEL welcomes the publication of Baroness Sanderson’s independent review of public libraries in England. We thank Baroness Sanderson for including ASCEL in the consultation for the review, to ensure that children’s library services were well represented within the discussion and the report.

Sarah Mears, ASCEL's Interim CEO says:

"We are pleased to see the recognition given to the importance of libraries and their value and impact within communities and that more needs to be done to ensure their sustainability, especially the ongoing underinvestment of the sector.

ASCEL strongly supports the idea of Universal Library Membership for children, and that this is seen as an entitlement.

We feel that several key ‘intervention’ points in a child’s life are needed, not just one point for universal membership so that no children fall through the net. To make the scheme truly successful, it would be important to engage partners locally and nationally, such as Family Hubs, GPs, Health Visitors, BBC Tiny Happy People, to ensure that parents/guardians/carers can be reached, as they will be critical to activating membership, and securing investment in a campaign of engagement. This requires capacity and funds to create a sustainable, worthwhile, and beneficial offer. Consideration also needs to be given to making the scheme effective and easy-to-use for vulnerable and looked-after children, who may move areas, to ensure they retain access to libraries without barriers or judgement.

ASCEL very much welcomes the idea of a National Data Hub. The lack of consistent and coherent data has been challenging for libraries in terms of demonstrating impact and attracting investment. Sharing data will be vital for the success of Universal Library Membership and will help us to better understand the impact of our services. We also support the proposal to capture data on digital engagement alongside physical engagement with services, which also highlights the need for the data hub to constantly future gaze to ensure that data gathered is relevant and dynamic.

We are excited by the idea of a Library Laureate. We think the current Children’s Laureate (as well as previous laureates) and the poet laureate have both served to raise the profile of libraries and having a national Library Laureate sends a message both nationally and internationally about the value a society places on its library services.

We believe that having a Libraries Minister would be hugely beneficial to raising the profile of libraries within Government, the political agenda and in society, which is currently desperately needed. Working across departments - DCMS, DFE and DLUHC - would not only reflect the wide remit of libraries but add value to our work. It would ensure that libraries have a central prominence in government and are not excluded from vital discussions and plans.

Proposing to move Libraries Week would be beneficial, to enable more politicians to engage with the event.

ASCEL is interested in the national branding idea. Elevating libraries in people’s consciousness would bring many benefits, which we fully recognise. We are mindful of the challenges and costs this might incur, which may mean it would take time, persuasion and investment to achieve. We look forward to seeing this idea developed with a detailed plan.

 

We are pleased that Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Minister Lord Parkinson has responded positively to the recommendations in the report and that he has committed to taking these forward in next year’s library strategy.

ASCEL echoes Libraries Connected’s point that 'For libraries to truly prosper and fulfil the potential outlined in Baroness Sanderson’s review, councils need a fairer, long-term funding solution. Without this, it is difficult to see how these recommendations can be fully implemented and resourced.'"

 

Annabel Gittins, Chair of ASCEL says:

“Baroness Sanderson’s independent report signifies an important moment for the future of libraries as it brings our vital services under the spotlight and shines a light on a number of ways that the sector can be supported, elevated and developed. We support many of the recommendations and are delighted to have been included in the consultation discussions. We know that the true outcome of the report, however, will be seen in what happens next in terms of the Libraries strategy, financial and political support centrally and locally, and meaningful action. We look forward to and welcome these developments, so that Libraries across our network can flourish, thrive and prosper, and be recognised and appreciated in Government, nationally and locally as the lifeblood of our communities that ASCEL and our members believe and know them to be.

 

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