The association advises, submits evidence and makes comment on matters of professional concern to people or organisations whose activities affect archives and records.

The association is managed by a Council, which is partially elected every two years, along with a number of committees and sub-committees relating to specific areas of business.

[3][4] Periodically more in depth guides on particular types of records or professional issues are produced and made available for members to purchase.

In terms of professional training for archives and records management, the ARA accredits externally provided postgraduate diploma/degree programmes, of which there are currently six; three in England and one each in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Those who complete the registration scheme are entitled to use the post-nominals RMARA (Registered Member Archives and Records Association).