New Appointments to the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives Announced
The Secretary of State has appointed several key figures to the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives (ACNRA), with three reappointments and two new members, all serving four-year terms. The newly confirmed appointments will commence on 17 January 2026, with terms running until 16 January 2030 for existing members, and from 22 January 2026 through 21 January 2030 for the new appointees.
Reappointed Members
Dr. Nigel Fletcher
Dr. Nigel Fletcher is a notable political historian and author, holding the position of Ken Young Memorial Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London. His prior academic tenure includes a seven-year stint at King’s College London, where he is now a Visiting Fellow. He co-founded the Centre for Opposition Studies in 2010 and frequently shares insights on political and constitutional matters through writing and broadcasting.
Sir David Natzler
Sir David Natzler, a former senior official in Parliament, served as the Clerk of the House of Commons from 2015 until his retirement in 2019. With a career that began in October 1975, he has held several key positions including Clerk to various select committees, and was integral in senior management roles, contributing to the House of Commons Commission and legislation processes.
Jonathan Scherbel-Ball
Jonathan Scherbel-Ball is a barrister specialising in media and information law at 5RB Chambers in London. He is a member of the Attorney General’s esteemed “A” Panel of Counsel and has also been serving as a part-time Judge on the First-tier Tribunal since 2024.
New Appointees
Eleni Bide
Eleni Bide currently heads the Library and Archives for The Goldsmiths’ Company, where her work encompasses teaching, writing, and media engagement related to the history of goldsmithing. Additionally, she participates on the Committee of the Silver Society and edits The Goldsmiths’ Review.
Johanna Higgins
Johanna Higgins serves as the Northern Ireland Commissioner for the Criminal Cases Review Commission. With a background as a barrister, she is also a Bencher of the Inner Temple in London and has held various legal roles in Northern Ireland, including public prosecutor and member of the Historic Buildings Committee.
Remuneration and Governance Code
Members of the Advisory Council are compensated at a rate of £386 per day. The appointments adhere to the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, overseen by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This code stipulates that any significant political activities by appointees over the past five years must be disclosed.
Dr. Fletcher has previously served as a local councillor for the Conservative Party until May 2022 and has since refrained from any further political engagement. Eleni Bide disclosed her involvement in distributing leaflets during the 2024 general election campaign for the Labour Party, while Sir David Natzler, Jonathan Scherbel-Ball, and Johanna Higgins reported no such activities.
Background
The Advisory Council on National Records and Archives plays a crucial role in guiding the management and preservation of national records in the UK. By appointing individuals with diverse expertise, the council aims to enhance transparency and public engagement with historical records.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/advisory-council-on-national-records-and-archives-appointments-and-reappointments
