THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION HAVE MERGED

EN: EGOV MONITOR
SITE: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/8366
FECHA: 31/10/2006
0TROS DATOS: National Archives.

The new organisation, under the banner of The National Archives, is raising the stakes in information management across government. Strong information management is essential for the effective working of government, providing excellent services, joined-up policy making, and strengthening public confidence and trust. The National Archives, through its merger with OPSI, has expertise across the information management spectrum and is well placed to lead this agenda. In supporting better information management, The National Archives will continue its work in preserving history for future generations.

Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:
"The National Archives is well known and highly regarded for the work we do in safeguarding and illustrating British history.

However, doing this requires us to be a lot more than just a historical government archive. We´ve always played a key role in a paper world, ensuring high standards of records and information management in government, and ensuring that information survives to become tomorrow´s permanent record. The challenges of a digital world are even greater, and so are the opportunities for government as well as the public. If we succeed in managing this information effectively, the benefits are not just for posterity – they are also for today. The National Archives, strengthened by its merger with OPSI, now has a more powerful policy, advocacy and delivery remit across the information management spectrum."

The National Archives works with other government departments to ensure that good records and information management practices are embedded across the Civil Service and the wider public sector. Good information management is a core function of government, as it underpins both its workings and the effectiveness of the services it provides. This message is of particular importance in a digital age, where constantly evolving technology poses a further challenge to the survival of information. In the long-term, it is essential to ensure that records are preserved for the future – today´s decisions must be available for the students and researchers of tomorrow to examine.

Carol Tullo, Director of Public Sector Information at The National Archives, said: "This merger is an exciting move for both The National Archives and OPSI, bringing together a clear focus and alignment for government information policy, creating a stronger organisation. The strengthened and merged organisation will bring a centre of gravity and expertise to every strand of the information cycle. We are marking out a shared vision that recognises a new integrated information management territory."

OPSI and Her Majesty´s Stationery Office, which were previously attached to the Cabinet Office, will continue their work in setting standards, encouraging re-use of public sector information and managing Crown Copyright, operating from within The National Archives. The National Archives will continue to operate as a government department and as an executive agency of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

"Bringing our two organisations together, and combining our expertise, creates a stronger organisation with a consolidated position within Government," says Natalie Ceeney. "Together with OPSI, The National Archives is helping to realise the true value of information – as well as capturing the records of today for tomorrow's researchers".