Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Allen

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:-

1.    That the Heritage Service’s Forward Plan (2018-2022) and key policy documents to support the Council’s application for Archives Accreditation be approved.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for an application under the Archives Accreditation Scheme and the supporting Forward Plan and key policy documents were included as part of the appendices. This scheme was the UK standard for archive services maintained by The National Archives and defined good practice and supported the ongoing development of archive services across the country.

This would enable Rotherham to continue to be a recognised Place of Deposit under the Public Records Act 1958, and which required Rotherham Archives and Local Studies to submit an application.

A successful application would be essential not only for members of the public, but also for future funders and partners, who could have confidence in the delivery of this service. 

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board confirmed this report had been considered at the meeting of the Board on 12^th September, 2018 who were fully supportive of the recommendation.

Resolved:-  That the Heritage Service’s Forward Plan (2018-2022) and key policy documents to support the Council’s application for Archives Accreditation be approved.

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Cleaner Greener Communities

Strategic Directorate:           Regeneration and Environment

Consideration was given to a report submitted by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment which was due to be determined at the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting on 17 September 2018 concerning the approval of a policy for Archives Accreditation.

Members noted that the authority’s application for Archives Accreditation was scheduled to be discussed at the Archive Service Accreditation Panel meeting on 21 November 2018. The National Archives had confirmed the Forward Plan and supporting policies should be approved by ‘an appropriate delegated authority’, which is why Cabinet approval was sought. Supporting policies included:-

·         Heritage Service Forward Plan 2018-22, which set out the core purpose and vision for the Service and includes a detailed action plan –

·         Collections development policy, which examines the background and history to Rotherham Archives and Local Studies; the profile and scope of the collections identifying current limitations; priorities for future collections development and the Service’s approach to appraisal and disposal

·         Collections information policy, which documents Rotherham Archives and Local Studies’ approach to maintaining and providing accurate documentation of collection

·         Care and Conservation Policy, which covers the Service’s strategic approach to conservation including the principles of collections care; ethics, legislation and standards; premises and storage; conservation assessment and treatment; environmental monitoring and control; housekeeping; access; training; security; emergency planning; and environmental awareness

·         Access Policy, which details Rotherham Archives and Local Studies’ approach to access (physical and intellectual, onsite, remote and through wider engagement) to the collections under its care

Members broadly welcomed the proposal, the way in which the service was being delivered to a high standard and indicated their full support for the recommendations to be considered by the Cabinet on 17 September 2018.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.