Decision details

The report seeks Cabinet Member endorsement of the updated Record Office collections management policies in advance of application for Accredited status with The National Archives (TNA).

The Cabinet Member agrees to the adoption of the Bath Record Office (BRO) Collections Management Policies.

This authority has always observed best practice in the management and development of its and archive collections. Record office governing bodies are required to meet minimum standards of collections care and development to qualify for the Government’s Accreditation standard administered by The National Archives (TNA). Updating these policies is a way of ensuring that they remain in line with national best practice and are fit for purpose.

Accreditation marks governing bodies as worthy guardians of unique public collections of archives which they hold in trust for the public good. It is also a criterion required by many grant-giving bodies as evidence of sound stewardship of the collections.

The rationale for the recommendation is that BRO is currently not Accredited. Without approved policies BRO cannot apply for Accreditation. Failure to achieve Accreditation may trigger a review of BRO’s Place of Deposit status by TNA.

To do nothing. This would risk loss of the authority’s reputation for good practice and loss of access to grant-aid; option is not recommended.