Records management

Records management is the process by which information is managed throughout its lifecycle. Any records management policy developed by Departments of State should be based on their statutory (business) functions. This classification of statutory functions, known as a business classification scheme, will allow classes or series of records specific to, or arising from the performance of, each function to be identified.

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From this information, it will be possible to develop retention and disposal schedules based on the record series identified in the business classification scheme. This will document when records should be disposed of if they are no longer required to support the business or legal functions of the Department of State. Records that warrant permanent preservation as archives should also be identified as part of this process. Disposal of departmental records must be carried out in accordance with section 7 of the National Archives Act, 1986.

 

In this section you will find a Generic Retention Schedule, information on GDPR and archiving, and some basic digital preservation guidelines.