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Advisory Council

The Lord Chancellor is responsible for The National Archives. The Keeper of Public Records and his own department (the Ministry of Justice) advise him in this area. For independent advice on general archival practice and policy and questions relating to access to public records he relies on his Advisory Council on National Records and Archives.

The Advisory Council's role

The council advises the Lord Chancellor about public access to the records and the care of archives and manuscripts. It has no role in the running of The National Archives.

The council meets four times a year. Its main task is to consider requests for the extended closure of public records, or from departments who want to keep records. The Lord Chancellor never approves either course without advice from the council.

The Advisory Council also looks at the corporate plan of The National Archives and how it is doing with its targets; the acceptance of historic papers instead of tax; the sale of documents; public services provided by British archives; how archives care for records and papers and the level of fees.

The Advisory Council reports to the Lord Chancellor every year in a report which is published with the Keeper's report.

Advisory Council reports

The Advisory Council on National Records and Archives advises the Lord Chancellor on all matters relating to archives, manuscripts and records. Below are the Council's third and fourth annual reports of its work:

Enquiries

Your questions about the Advisory Council should be addressed to:

Miss Lale Ozdemir
Advisory Council on National Records and Archives
The National Archives
Kew, Richmond
Surrey TW9 4DU
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8392 5377
Email: lale.ozdemir@nationalarchives.gov.uk

 

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