Future-proofing archaeological archives in Wales
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2015-08-03

Wales is no different to other parts of the United Kingdom in having to face up to particular pressures in managing archaeological archives. Perhaps uniquely it has been able to form a panel (National Archaeological Archives Panel for Wales) that reports to the advisory group (HEG) to the Welsh Minister with responsibility for the Historic Environment in Wales. The membership of the panel includes bodies who produce, and control the circumstances of production, of archaeological archives and those who have the long term charge following deposition.

The panel was given two particular remits: to review national practice standards; and to carry out a survey to establish the nature and extent of current problems and issues.

The survey undertaken in 2012-13 made 21 recommendations. These have been agreed and a roadmap designed for their delivery. The roadmap concerns both legacy issues and future-proofing and the priority is to get the future-proofing right. That is not to leave the legacy issues to one side, these will need to be progressed, but better management at point of creation will reduce the risk of the legacy issue worsening in a world where current reductions and future reductions in public funding are putting the ability of museums to receive and curate archives under particular strain. 

This paper will outline the roadmap, but will also reflect on how the panel, its constituent elements, and its proximity to policy makers is starting to allow a constructive national approach to the better management of the resource.
Elizabeth Walker, National Museum of Wales