The dataset is derived from a database recording the accessioning actions of Records Management Department (RMD) staff at the Public Record Office (PRO), and the checking steps involved in that process; and the space allocation actions of Repository Staff. In addition, the database was used for recording work targets, logging stages in the processing of a Lord Chancellor's Instrument (LCI), and contained descriptions of the accession itself.
The Records Management Department (RMD) provides advice and guidance to government departments and other public record bodies on the management of records, and their selection and transfer to The National Archives. Members of RMD spend much of their time visiting departments, where they:
- Agree with departments which records should be selected for permanent preservation, and discuss those which should be closed for longer than 30 years and those which can be opened early.
- Provide advice on cataloguing and packing documents prior to their transfer to the National Archives.
The Records Accession Register database was used by RMD to manage records transfers from 3 April 2000 onwards; however, the dataset also contains earlier records transfers from 1999. In addition, the database assisted in the management of other related steps in the accessioning process, including space allocation, DRUID cataloguing 2, management of LCIs, and meeting work-related targets.
The datasets in this series are available to download. Links to individual datasets can be found at piece level.