About the programme
The National Loans Programme is a new two-year initiative from The National Archives, running from 2026 to 2028. Through the programme we will work in partnership with seven archives across the UK to share records from our collections through loans, displays and public engagement activities helping participating archives to develop new opportunities for their audiences to discover and engage with the past
Each partnership will be shaped around the needs, collections and audiences of the participating archive. Alongside supporting the delivery of loans and displays, the programme will help build organisational capacity, strengthen skills and expertise and support meaningful public engagement. Our ambition is that these partnerships will create lasting benefits for participating archives, their audiences and the wider sector. The learning and experience generated through these partnerships will also be shared more widely, helping to build confidence and capability across the archive sector.
The core of the National Loans Programme is our work with seven partner archives across the UK. Following an expression of interest process, selected archives will work with the programme team to develop a programme of activity tailored to their collections, audiences, location and organisational needs.
Depending on the needs of each participating archive, support may include:
- practical skills development and training for archive staff
- working with our record specialists to identify and develop potential loans
- audience development, interpretation and engagement support
- display materials, including mounts, cradles and display cases
- loan preparation, transport and registrar expertise
- guidance on security and environmental requirements
- where appropriate, small-scale infrastructure improvements or environmental monitoring equipment
The level and type of support offered will be determined during the expression of interest assessment process and developed collaboratively with each participating archive. The level and type of support offered will be determined during the expression of interest assessment process and developed collaboratively with each participating archive. The level and type of support offered will be determined during the expression of interest assessment process and developed collaboratively with each participating archive.
Skills development for the wider sector
Alongside the seven archive partnerships, the programme will share learning and practical guidance with the wider archive sector. A series of webinars and other skills development opportunities will cover topics such as loans basics, developing displays, researching topics and themes, the Government Indemnity Scheme (GIS), programming and engagement.
These opportunities are open to archives and archive professionals across the UK. You do not need to submit an expression of interest or be one of the seven partner archives to participate.
Who is it for?
The programme is primarily for archives across the UK that are interested in borrowing and displaying records from our collections and would benefit from additional support, expertise or resources to make this possible.
Seven archives will be selected to participate as programme partners during 2026-2028. The wider skills development opportunities will be available to the archive sector more broadly, helping to share learning and build confidence and capability beyond the seven partnerships.
Webinars and events
Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming webinars and training sessions, designed to support archives interested in borrowing and displaying records from our collections.
Archive sector support
As part of the programme, we will publish guidance, tools, and resources to support archives with loans, exhibitions, collections care, display, audience engagement, and other aspects of developing a successful loans project.
Submit your expression of interest
The programme will be open to expressions of interest in late 2026. We will provide more guidance on eligibility and assessment criteria in advance.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about our upcoming training webinars related to the National Loans Programme, please contact us at asl@nationalarchives.gov.uk, putting ‘National Loans Programme’ in the subject line.
Supporters
The National Loans Programme is supported by the National Archives Trust and is made possible through the generosity of the Polonsky Foundation, John Ellerman Foundation, John S Cohen Foundation and the Thriplow Charitable Trust.