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.
