TNA Survey of Record Offices

The National Archives carries out a survey every two years, which assesses all record repositories in England and Wales against a number of criteria, grouped into categories.  Each repository completes a very detailed self-assessment questionnaire, and the results are collated centrally. 

 

In 2010, the Record Office produced its best results ever and was graded a 2-star service.

 

This table shows the results for Bath Record Office for 2010, with the 2008 results given in brackets.

  Score for your service Average score in South West region Average score of comparable services Average score in the UK
Section 1: governance 59% (45%) 72.5% (69.5%) 58.5% (57%) 66% (62%)
Section 2: documentation of collections 49% (34.5%) 69% (63.5%) 61.5% (56.5%) 64% (59%)
Section 3: access and outreach services 40% (36%) 63% (57.5%) 54% (48.5%) 62.5% (57%)
Section 4: preservation and conservation 51.5% (39.5%) 76% (72%) 65.5% (60.5%) 69% (65%)
Section 5: buildings, security and environment 59% (50%) 74.5% (69.5%) 63.5% (57%) 68.5% (64.5%)
Overall score 50.5% (41.5%) (69.5%) (65%) 59% (54.5%) 65.5% (61%)

 

 

The relatively low scores for the Bath Record Office reflect the limitations of its accommodation and the low level of its staffing compared to other similar offices. However, there was improvement in all areas between 2008 and 2010.

 

You can find out more about the National Archives self-assessment survey by following this link to the National Archives website.