This online session considered the impact of COVID-19 on archives services, how TNA has responded to provide guidance, support and funding and shared two best practice examples of how archives have innovated during this critical time.

Emma Markiewicz, Head of Archives Sector Development at The National Archives, gave a keynote on Leading the Archives sector through challenging times and shared some of the milestones and successes of Plugged In, Powered Up, TNA’s national programme to build digital skills and capacity. 

Sue Thiedeman, Head of Culture & Visitor Economy at Barnsley MBC Archives presented on how they are Continuing to engage during Lockdown, outlining the impact this has had on supporting vulnerable people, developing new audiences and increasing the profile of the archive service within the Council. There is also a case study providing more detail on their approach.

Heather Forbes, Head of Archive Service at Gloucestershire Council gave an overview of how Archive staff enabled Home Working, by using their specialist professional archive skills to set up a system that allowed for scanning and secure sending of physical post to staff working from home.  You can also read a case study about how Archive staff worked quickly to develop the system on the LGA website.