The strategy sets out The National Archives' overriding objectives for acquisition and collection of public records for permanent preservation, and for the distribution of these records across the UK system of archival repositories.

Acquisition and disposition strategy (PDF, 0.16Mb)

The National Archives and the selection of records for permanent preservation

Each year, some 1.5km of shelving at The National Archives is filled with public records which have been transferred to the archive from UK government departments. These records represent no more than 5% of the records created by government in the first place. Because of their strong local or specialist nature, some of the remainder are permanently preserved as public records in 240 approved archives up and down the country.

In light of the great volume of annual transfers and the small percentage selected for preservation at The National Archives, the selection process, which determines what comes into the archive, is of central importance to the future of our archival heritage.

The National Archives plays a central role in the public records system in general and, in particular, in selecting records. The review work is undertaken across government but, in accordance with the Public Records Act 1958, it is carried out under the supervision, guidance and co-ordination of the Keeper of Public Records.

Please contact information.management@nationalarchives.gov.uk with any queries.

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