Oxfordshire History Centre receives national recognition with Accredited Status

Staff at Oxfordshire County Council’s History Centre have once again been recognised nationally for their work by being awarded accredited status by the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee on behalf of the wider archive sector.

The national award is the culmination of a nine-month application and validation process. The service was assessed on organisational health, collection management procedures, access arrangements and work with partners and stakeholders. 

The accreditation panel recognised the positive progress the service has made through its committed staff and commended its approach to partnership working.

 Mark McCree, Oxfordshire County Council’s Libraries & Heritage Services Manager, said of the award: “I am very proud of the team for regaining this quality standard. The National Archives has recognised the positive progress that the service has made in recent years. These are foundations, alongside the emerging libraries and heritage strategy, for us to build on. 

 “I hope this gives our customers and partner organisations renewed confidence that the rich and valued heritage of the county is in safe hands.”

 Oxfordshire History Centre, the county’s archive and local studies service, based at St Luke’s Church in Cowley, collects, preserves and makes available archives, photographs and printed material related to Oxfordshire and its history. 

 Accreditation by the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is the national quality standard, recognising good performance in all areas of archive service delivery. Accredited archive services help to ensure the long-term collection, preservation, and accessibility of archive heritage in Oxfordshire and nationally. 

 It is the second time Oxfordshire History Centre has received accreditation, having first been awarded it back in 2015.

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