Dear colleague,

The National Archives wants to invite you to join us in developing a refreshed strategic vision for a self-sustaining, highly-skilled and effective archive sector in England.

Last year, we launched Archives Inspire, our ambitious four-year strategy, which sets out our continued support for archives of all kinds, in securing the best possible long-term future for their collections and services. Accompanying this, the annual publication A Year in Archives 2014-15 highlighted the collaborative and innovative work that is taking place across the sector, to meet the current challenges and opportunities of the new digital and cultural landscapes.

The previous government policy, Archives for the 21st Century, published in 2009 and refreshed with a new action plan in 2012 - Archives for the 21st Century in Action: refreshed 2012-15, set out five core objectives:


  *   Built to last - develop bigger and better services in partnership - working towards increased sustainability within the sector
  *   Effective, skilled workforce - strengthened leadership and a responsive, skilled workforce
  *   Digital by design - co-ordinated response to the growing challenge of managing digital information so that it is accessible now and remains discoverable in the future
  *   More accessible online - comprehensive online access for archive discovery through catalogues and to digitised archive content
  *   Real outcomes through partnerships - active participation in cultural and learning partnerships promoting a sense of identity and place within the community.

These objectives were the product of an extensive co-creation process and involved a wide range of organisations and professionals.

In 2015, we commissioned an independent review of the progress made since Archives for the 21st Century was published. The independent evaluation confirmed that the policy and subsequent action plans had prompted notable achievements in raising the profile of archives, increasing digital access and developing and delivering effective commercial and cultural partnerships.

The independent review highlighted some of the emerging strategic priorities identified across the sector for the period ahead:

*       Digital transformation
*       Financial resilience
*       Workforce capabilities
*       Sector leadership

The outcomes of Archives for the 21st Century demonstrated the value and positive impact of government setting a clear policy direction for the sector. The development of a national policy on archives provided a strategic vision which allowed the archive sector to find, and articulate, their place within the cultural and digital economies. You are able to read the full evaluation on this webpage: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sector/archives-21-century.htm

We feel that the time is now right to build on the success of Archives for the 21st Century as we launch our commitment to engage with you on shaping a new future for the archive sector in England.

Over the coming months, we will be hosting a series of roundtable events where we will invite archive professionals, organisations, funders and key stakeholders from the cultural, creative, commercial and digital sectors. Events will take place around the country and will be based on the following themes:


  *   Digital transformation
  *   Innovation & financial resilience
  *   People & education
  *   Sector leadership

With your help, we will develop a strong strategic vision to support the case for archives as a vital part of the nation's heritage.

We welcome any comments or feedback. Please contact us on:  [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>


Yours Sincerely


Jeff James,
Chief Executive and Keeper, The National Archives





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