Affiliated Groups of the NCA carry out specific functions that require specialised skills. They gather together people with a particular expertise and/or interest in these areas.
The NCA currently has two affiliated groups: the Public Services Quality Group (PSQG), and the Community Archives Development Group (CADG).
Public Services Quality Group
The Public Services Quality Group for archives and local studies (PSQG) was established in 1996 as an informal network for archivists interested in best practice and quality issues affecting the public-facing side of archive service and membership remains open to all. It sits alongside and complements the work and activities of the professional organisations.
Collaboration and mutual support are fundamental to the ethos of the group, which aims to enable individuals to establish contact with and learn from practitioners at the forefront of developments in the archival community.
The steering group co-ordinates the activities of PSQG and its membership includes the convenors of the working parties and representatives of several sponsoring bodies.
The annual quality forum is an opportunity for this work to be aired and discussed more widely.
Community Archives Development Group
The Community Archives Development Group (CADG) aims to monitor and inform developments in the field of Community Archives, and to act as an expert body on best practice in this area. The Group was set up to build on the work of the Community Access to Archives Project. It was affiliated to the National Council on Archives in July 2005. The Group brings together bodies and organisations concerned with Community Archives, and provides a forum for the regular exchange of views and information.
