National Loans Programme expression of interest process
Read this page to find answers to common questions about the expression of interest process.
National Loans Programme
Find out more about the National Loans Programme, including its aims, what support is available, and how the programme works.
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.
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.
How does it work?
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.
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 training and 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.
Programme timeline
Sector learning and engagement
October to November 2026
Delivery of webinars and events, providing details about the programme. These opportunities are open to archives across the UK.
Expression of interest (EOI) period
5 November 2026 to 8 January 2027
Expression of interest period – interested archive organisations prepare and submit their EOIs, supported by guidance and an information webinar.
Assessment and selection
January to February 2027
EOIs are reviewed against the published criteria and seven archive partnerships are identified.
Partnership development and loan planning
2027
Selected organisations work with The National Archives to develop their projects, identify suitable records, assess requirements and plan activities.
Loan delivery and public engagement
2027–2028
Supported loan and display activity takes place, alongside associated community, audience and learning activities.
Programme conclusion and evaluation
By May 2028
Programme outcomes are reviewed, learning is captured and the longer-term impact of the partnerships is considered.
Submit your expression of interest
The programme is now open to expressions of interest. The application window will close on 8 January 2027 at 23:55.
The questions that appear on the expression of interest form have been provided on a separate page to help you to prepare your application. This page is just an aid – your application must be made through the application portal.
Please read through the assessment criteria before applying (below the link to the expression of interest portal).
We also have a page that answers common questions about the National Loans Programme expression of interest process.
Visit the expression of interest portal to start your application.
Assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by a panel of colleagues from across The National Archives with expertise in collections, conservation, loans, audience engagement and archive sector development. The panel will consider each application against the following criteria:
- Public benefit and community impact
- Strength of project idea
- Connection between The National Archives' records and local audiences
- Readiness to deliver the project as a partnership
- Opportunity for skills development
- Feasibility with programme support
Each criteria will be scored with the following ratings:
| Score | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | Poor |
| 2 | Low |
| 3 | Good |
| 4 | Excellent |
| 5 | Outstanding |
Public benefit and community impact
We want to understand who could benefit from the proposed activity and how it might create meaningful opportunities for audiences and communities to engage with archival collections.
Consider:
- Which audiences or communities do you currently serve?
- Are there opportunities to reach new or under-represented audiences?
- How might the proposed activity respond to local interests or community needs?
- What opportunities could there be for participation, learning or engagement?
Strength of project idea
We want to understand the potential of your proposed idea and how a loan from The National Archives could contribute to an engaging and meaningful public programme.
Consider:
- What subject, theme, story or historical connection interests your organisation?
- How might original records contribute to the proposed activity?
- What kinds of displays, exhibitions or associated activities could be developed?
- How might the idea connect with your organisation’s existing work?
Connection between our records and local audiences
We are interested in opportunities to bring national and regional collections into conversation with one another.
Consider:
- Are there connections between records held by The National Archives and your own collections?
- Could a loan help illuminate local, regional or national histories?
- Are there opportunities to bring together different perspectives, stories or sources?
- How might these connections enrich the interpretation of both collections?
Readiness to deliver the project as a partnership
We want to understand the level of organisational commitment and the potential to work collaboratively with The National Archives.
Consider:
- Is there support from relevant colleagues and senior management?
- Who might be involved in planning and delivering the activity?
- What existing organisational priorities or programmes could support the proposal?
- Are there potential partners who could contribute?
- Is there a willingness to work collaboratively throughout the programme?
Opportunity for skills development
An important part of the programme is helping organisations build confidence and develop practical knowledge of loans and display.
Consider:
- What experience does your organisation already have?
- What skills or knowledge would you like to develop?
- Would staff benefit from training in loans, conservation, security, interpretation or audience engagement?
- How might participation strengthen your organisation’s longer-term capacity?
Feasibility with programme support
We want to understand whether the proposed activity could be delivered successfully and what support may be needed to make it achievable.
Consider:
- Are there suitable spaces or facilities for display?
- What practical or technical considerations may need further development?
- What staff time and resources might be available?
- What support would be particularly valuable from The National Archives?
- Are there any significant constraints or challenges that should be considered?
Contact us
We have a frequently asked questions page that aims to answer any general questions about the expression of interest process. If you have any other questions, or would like to enquire about our upcoming training webinars related to the National Loans Programme, please email us, putting 'National Loans Programme' in the subject line.