Our inspection regime is based on a moderated self-assessment process. Formal inspections continue if they are requested or:

• the self assessment procedure highlights a need for further action
• to fulfil our statutory functions and obligations in relation to the approval of places of deposit for public records under the Public Records Act 1958
• to facilitate the allocation of manuscripts in lieu of tax; and to support repositories that fall outside the pilot programme

We are also committed to providing audit inspections for record-holding bodies that need no formal approval and general advice on standards and best practice to all types of repositories.

When repositories meet The National Archives' Standard for Record Repositories and have in place a satisfactory long-term strategy for the care of and access to the archives in its custody, we will award The National Archives' Approval.

For further information about this service see our leaflet:

Inspection services for archive repositories (PDF, 0.07Mb)

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The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8876 3444. Contact us