National Archives publishes guidance on governance models - Museums Association

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National Archives publishes guidance on governance models

Report examines the implications of different models
The National Archives has produced new guidance that examines the different models for service “spin-outs”, such as trust or mutual status, transfer to community management or setting up a local authority trading company.

Social enterprises are also examined as an alternative to direct service delivery for heritage, library and archive services.

In a Spin: guidance on spinning out local authority archive services has been developed to support archive services and their managers and funders in making informed decisions about the future of their services and collections.

The report states: “There is a bewildering range of options for authorities to consider when examining alternatives to direct service delivery. The perception that there is only a binary choice between private and public provision is no longer true.

"Increasingly, the responsibility for providing services is shared: the third sector is playing an increasing role in delivering services, and more services are being transferred to community management. The sourcing options are becoming more varied and with more permutations.”

Supported by case studies, In a Spin examines the implications of different models for archive services, highlights key regulatory considerations and alternative options.

Simon Hughes, the minister of state for justice and civil liberties, said: “Our country's archives are one of our greatest national treasures, preserving our history for future generations and underpinning our national identity. It is vitally important they are properly preserved for the future.

"This guidance forms part of the National Archives' continuing work with local government, business and private sector partners to make sure our heritage stays in safe hands.”

The Coventry Heritage and Arts Trust, which was established in 2005 and merged in 2013 with the Transport Museum Trust to become Culture Coventry, is one of the case studies used in the report.


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