Archive Service Accreditation

Archive Service Accreditation is the UK standard for archive services. Standards schemes and frameworks help archives to manage and improve their efficiency and effectiveness through external validation, and by identifying good practice. Read our leaflet for an overview of Archive Service Accreditation.

Archive Service Accreditation also enables The National Archives to fulfil our statutory functions relating to Places of Deposit.

Below is a statement from the programme partners about Archive Service Accreditation and Covid-19. For more information about managing an archive service at this time, please visit our coronavirus webpages.

Guidance

Find out more about the Archive Service Accreditation standard and read supporting guidance.

Archive Service Accreditation 10-year review

Read about the review of our Archive Service Accreditation programme, as we evaluate 10 years of accrediting archives.

What is Archive Service Accreditation?

Archive Service Accreditation defines good practice and agreed standards for archive services across the UK, thereby encouraging and supporting the development of the archive service.

Applying for Archive Service Accreditation

Find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply for Archive Service Accreditation.

Management of Archive Service Accreditation

Archive Service Accreditation continues to be supported by a partnership of seven organisations across the UK.

Assessment of Archive Service Accreditation

Assessments are undertaken by a trained assessor from the relevant home nation assessor body.

Award of Archive Service Accreditation

Archive Service Accreditation Panels are responsible for confirming the award of Archive Service Accreditation following a recommendation from the home nation assessor body.

Accredited archive services, statistics and outcomes

Find out which archive services are accredited and read the annual report on UK applications and awards.

Retaining Archive Service Accreditation

Accredited archive services are required to demonstrate that they continue to meet the standard to retain accredited status.