The evidence section of the framework underpins the outcomes triangle and logic model. It lists the sources of evidence that together best demonstrate the contribution of archives to the outcomes.
We have identified some examples of validated national evidence that demonstrate the contribution of archives to the outcomes. Not all of these examples will be relevant to your local outcomes.
Stage three of ‘Creating your framework’ contains a step-by-step guide to reviewing the evidence
‘Large cultural infrastructure projects’ (The National Archives, 2023)
This guidance highlights how archive services can be valuable partners in the delivery of large cultural infrastructure projects, with their collections able to inspire, inform, and enrich project programming. There are a number of success stories included that show how archives celebrate communities and create a positive legacy in local areas.
Workforce development case studies (The National Archives, various dates)
A series of case studies from across the UK, some of which focus on volunteering and feature the positive impact for archives and include a range of testimonials highlighting the benefits experienced by the volunteers themselves.
Workforce development – on the National Archives website
Make archive services more inclusive (The National Archives, various dates)
A series of case studies highlighting the impact of making collections more inclusive by improving representation of diverse communities, highlighting underrepresented voices, revealing previously hidden histories and giving them new value and meaning for people.
‘Advancing the Role of Museums in Health and Social Care’ (National Museums Liverpool, 2022)
This paper reflects on the development and impact of House of Memories as a flagship cultural intervention in dementia care built around the museum objects and social history collections within National Museums Liverpool. The approach aimed to support people living with dementia, enhancing their wellbeing and quality of life, as a potential alternative to medication.
‘Creatively Minded and Heritage’ (The Baring Foundation, 2021)
Report commissioned to showcase how heritage brings significant added value in cross-sectoral social prescribing programmes, to improve people’s mental health and community connections. Case studies include natural and historic environments, archaeology and seven archive examples.
‘Heritage and Wellbeing’ (What Works Wellbeing, 2019)
A scoping review of evidence which found that historic places and assets, and interventions associated with them, can have a wide range of beneficial impacts on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals and communities.
‘The impact of volunteering in archives‘ (Archives and Records Association, 2018)
Research highlighting the impacts of volunteering in archives and how these affect volunteers, services, and the profession. Volunteers feel the long-term effects of improved health and well-being, new and re-enforced skills and enhanced prospects of employability.
The impact of volunteering in archives – on the Archives and Records Association website
‘The Economic Impact of the UK Heritage Tourism Economy’ (Oxford Economics, 2016)
This study examines gives an indication of the scale of the gross economic impact of heritage tourism in the UK in terms of visit numbers, visit spend, employment and GDP. Then, comparisons are made with other sectors of the UK economy.
The Economic Impact of the UK Heritage Tourism Economy on the Oxford Economics website