The process of transporting new unaccessioned records from Public Record Bodies to The National Archives is also known as the ‘uplift’. This involves agreeing a delivery date with The National Archives and arranging the physical transfer. Please do not arrange a delivery until the date has been confirmed by The National Archives.
The National Archives accepts paper transfers on either a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, with a maximum load per delivery of either four Euro pallets (80x120cm) or 10 cages. All deliveries should be secured in cages or on pallets to enable safe transportation. The maximum number of boxes to a cage/pallet will vary depending on the size and weight of the box. Although, on average we would suggest no more than 72 archival boxes (or 24 transit boxes) to a pallet and 40 archival boxes to a cage. When loading the pallets or cages, arrange the boxes in reverse order.
Prior to the delivery, complete a Transfer Delivery Form and send it to governmenttransfers@nationalarchives.gov.uk. On the Transfer Delivery Form, list the series in alphabetical order and do not split the same series over multiple rows. If you intend to transfer previous retentions or requisitions with new accessions, ensure it is clearly highlighted in correspondence with the Transfer Team and is detailed on the Transfer Delivery Form. Also, please ensure that any related paperwork is sent to AccessUpdates@nationalarchives.gov.uk (for previous retentions) or government@nationalarchives.gov.uk (for returning requisitions).
All transfer documentation (including catalogue lists, transfer summaries and delivery forms) must be received and signed off prior to the delivery date. In practice, we would expect to receive the first draft of the catalogue list at least a month in advance of a delivery date, with the Transfer Summary to follow. We would expect to receive the Transfer Delivery Form separately, and it is essential that the Transfer Delivery Form is signed off at least a week before the delivery, otherwise, the delivery may need to be rescheduled.
On the agreed delivery date, send the records to the following address using a tracked courier service:
Government Loading Bay
Government Remote Services
The National Archives
Bessant Drive
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 4DU
To locate the Government Loading Bay, please follow signs for Government Documents. It is located immediately after the coach parking and on the left-hand side as you enter. The What3Words for the Government Loading Bay is Files.Leaned.Stand.
On arrival at The National Archives, the records will be checked against the transfer delivery form and if consistent the accessioning process will begin.
To arrange a delivery or if you have any questions or concerns, contact governmenttransfers@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
More detailed guidance is also available on cataloguing and physical preparation, the delivery of digital records and Transferring to places of deposit.
Guidance and forms for transferring paper records
Transfer template (XLSX, 0.03 MB)
Access Updates Form (DOC, 0.05 MB)
Delivery form for transfer of paper records (XLS, 0.02 MB)
Process for sending previously retained pieces or extracts to The National Archives (PDF, 0.26 MB)