Elizabeth Hallam Smith moves to the House of Lords
Elizabeth Hallam Smith moves to the House of Lords
01 November 2005
Elizabeth Hallam Smith, Director of National Advisory and Public Services at The National Archives in Kew and Chair of the National Council on Archives, is to become Director of Information Services and Librarian at the House of Lords.
Elizabeth Hallam Smith has been a valued member of staff at The National Archives since joining the Public Record Office, as it then was, in 1976. When she took on the role of Director in 1994, she led on initiatives that have helped build the superb reputation that the organisation now has with its users. These have included creating The National Archives´ online services, improving and extending access to the reading rooms at Kew and the Family Records Centre, establishing The National Archives´ educational services and developing an outreach programme with socially excluded groups.
Elizabeth Hallam Smith said:
"I am delighted about my new role at the House of Lords, as it will present me with new and fascinating challenges in a different environment. But I will certainly miss The National Archives, its superb collection of records and my colleagues. I have worked here for many years and have enjoyed every moment of it. Every day has presented me with a new challenge to help increase the national profile of archives and to find new ways of improving public services."
"I am sorry that I will only overlap with Natalie Ceeney for a few months. I have already developed a great liking and respect for her. It is clear to me that with Natalie as Chief Executive, The National Archives is in very good hands and will go from strength to strength."
Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of The National Archives, said:
"Liz has had a long and successful career at The National Archives. Many of our recent achievements have been due to Liz´s hard work and dedication to the organisation and we are very sorry to see her go."
"The House of Lords are gaining a very experienced and highly professional member of staff who is going to be greatly missed by all of us at The National Archives. Her new role is a fantastic achievement for Liz and we wish her all the best in her future career."
