The Medway Archives Centre attains Archive Service Accreditation for the First Time

The Medway Archives Centre (MAC) has attained archive service accreditation for the first time.

This follows an announcement on 30th November 2021 from the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee . The newly acquired status is valid for an initial six years, until 2027.

The status confirms that MAC meets the UK's high standards for collections management and access. Accreditation also recognises the efforts shown by the Centre during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In their assessment of MAC, the Archive Service Accreditation Panel “were impressed by recent and ongoing improvements at the archive service and recognised the strong support for the service from senior staff and elected members.” The panel also commended “the service’s practical approach to developing digital preservation and the progress achieved.”

In reaction to the news Elaine Gardner, Chairman of the Friends of Medway Archives (FOMA), said: “I am delighted for Elspeth and all the staff at MAC for the hard work they put in to achieve accreditation, and that FOMA were able to meet the team, from the National Archive, on their visit to explain how FOMA is able to support Medway Archives.”

The Medway Archives Centre has been awarded Archive Service Accreditation by The National Archives
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The Medway Archives Centre in Strood aims to help residents and visitors discover the stories of Medway’s people and places📚 Find out more: https://t.co/KBwfN5piW2 pic.twitter.com/Y1yeA0mFK7

— Medway Council #stayalertsavelives (@medway_council) November 30, 2021

MAC is one of 144 other public and university libraries, archives and museums who have attained the same status.

Councillor Howard Doe, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at Medway Council, said: “We are delighted, and very proud, to have been awarded Archive Service Accreditation. This is an achievement which highlights our commitment to developing, preserving and improving access to our unique heritage collections at the Medway Archives Centre. The accreditation is testament to the hard work of our centre staff, volunteers and partners. We will keep building on this fantastic achievement by continuing to capture, preserve and document Medway’s rich history and great future.”