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2 July 2006 - The National Archives and The Office of
Public Sector Information to Merge
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The National Archives and The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI),
which is currently attached to the Cabinet Office, are set to merge, creating a
stronger centre for information management in the public sector enabling a more
responsive approach to the challenges of new technology.
The merger was announced in a joint statement made by Hilary Armstrong MP,
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in the Commons and Baroness Ashton of
Upholland, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for
Constitutional Affairs, in the Lords.
"I am announcing to the House that, as a result of joint work between the
Department of Constitutional Affairs and the Cabinet Office, The National
Archives and the Office of Public Sector Information will merge, under the joint
name of The National Archives. The combined organisation will lead on
information policy and support effective delivery of records and information
management across government and the wider public sector. This merger will take
effect in October 2006."
Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of The National Archives commented:
"Bringing our two organisations together, and combining our specialist
skills and services, creates a stronger organisation and presents exciting
future opportunities. The National Archives can now help shape the future of
information, as well as use it to illustrate the past. This is essential to help
realise the true value of information, as well as to capture the records of
today for tomorrow's researchers."
Carol Tullo, Director of OPSI commented:
"Our shared vision is to combine the complementary strands of our
portfolio of information responsibilities and from a position of strength
deliver greater value and service to our users. The new organisation will create
a centre of gravity for information management in the public sector. I relish
the opportunities that lie ahead."
OPSI and HMSO will continue to deliver their services as part of The National
Archives. The National Archives will continue to operate as a government
department and as an executive agency of the Secretary of State for
Constitutional Affairs.
The National Archives,
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk, based at Kew, west London, is a government
department; it is also an executive agency of the Secretary of State for
Constitutional Affairs. Its 550 staff work in Kew or at the Family Records
Centre in Islington. The National Archives leads on record management policy
with government, and provides access to government records on its two sites and
through digital resources available online. The National Archives also oversees
information and archive management across the UK, setting standards and
providing advice and support to raise the standards of information management.
The vision of the National Archives is to:
- Lead and transform information management
- Guarantee the survival of today ’s information for tomorrow
- Bring history to life for everyone
The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI),
www.opsi.gov.uk, based in central London and Norwich, is at the heart of
information policy - setting standards, providing a practical framework of best
practice for opening up and encouraging the re-use of public sector information.
It provides a wide range of services relating to finding, using, sharing and
trading in information. to the public, to the information industry, to
government and to the wider public sector Her Majesty’s Stationery Office with
its copyright, legislation and official publishing roles operates from within
OPSI. OPSI is part of the Cabinet Office.
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