Champs Camp Archive Project: Community Archivist

Champs Camp was the first successful Black boxing gym in Britain, with Phil Martin, its founder, the UK’s first Black boxing trainer, manager and promoter. Martin revolutionised British boxing during the 1980s and 1990s, introducing new ways of training and transforming the lives of thousands of young men and boys across Greater Manchester in the process. He deliberately challenged the public association of Moss Side with guns and gangs, helping to produce UK and world champions and make Manchester a centre of the sport.   

This project will preserve and make publicly accessible the records of a hugely significant but largely unknown episode in UK Black history. Its legacy will be the preservation of a unique and extensive archive of film, photography, and posters, the collection of a wide-ranging oral history, and the production of a permanent digital archive, accessible to anyone including educators, activists and the wider community. 

This role is funded by The National Lottery Fund grant and is run by a partnership of the Moss Side Boxing and Athletics Association (MSBAA) and Manchester Histories, with support from staff at the University of Manchester in History and the Research Data Management Support Service. The role will be located at both MSBAA and the University of Manchester and managed by the Manchester Histories team. 

We are seeking a well organised and highly motivated Community Archivist to deliver this hugely significant project.

How to apply:

The deadline for applications is Monday 14th July 2025, 5.00 pm.  

Please complete the application form HERE. This will include uploading your CV.

See HERE for the job description and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented in our organisation and sector. This includes (but is not limited to) people from Black, Asian and other Global Majority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. We recognise the value of different perspectives and experiences in enriching our work and welcome applicants who can bring new ideas and insights to our team.

 Questions: 

• Why you are suitable for the role with the job spec in mind?
• What you could bring to the project? Any relevant experience.
• Why you are passionate about this project?

Please ensure you provide two relevant referees. We will only contact referees post-interview with your permission.

Next steps:

We will only contact applicants who have been shortlisted for interview. Regrettably we are unable to give feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Interviews will take place on 23 July 2025.

The start date for this role will be agreed with the successful candidate. 

Pre-Conversation 

If you have questions, access needs, or would like to discuss the role further before applying, please contact hannah.barker@manchester.ac.uk with the subject line “Champs Camp Query.”