The National Archives Expands Responsibility
With effect from 3 October 2011 The National Archives (TNA) took over responsibility for the archives sector from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). In a press release, TNA has said “This move to single leadership of the archive sector marks a significant step towards building a more resilient and unified archive network.
“This is a new beginning for The National Archives and the archive sector, where working together, they will champion archives by demonstrating the value they offer society, representing the sector’s views at government level and influencing policy formulation.
“The next six months will see phased implementation of the leadership responsibilities to enable The National Archives to engage with archives on how it intends to fulfil its new remit.
“Over the transition period, The National Archives will adapt MLA’s established regional engagement approach to complement its existing archival expertise and authority. Evolving from practitioner to strategic leader, The National Archives will work with partners to develop and transform the sector’s sustainability and impact in the future, by, for example, collaborative working, leveraging funding and new business model development.”
TNA has launched a new web page www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archive-leadership with dedicated information and guidance for the archive sector.Roger Lewry
FFHS Archives Liaison
13 October 2011
