Archived records

Records management

The National Archives provides advice and guidance to records managers across central government. This covers the entire life cycle of public records, in whatever format, from creation through to destruction or transfer to The National Archives.

In the Modernising Government White Paper, all government organisations were set a target to create and manage records electronically. Following on from the White Paper target, The National Archives continues to work with government departments and software suppliers to develop, implement and improve electronic records management across the public sector. To accomplish this demanding task, The National Archives has set up a records management advisory service, the remit of which has been broadened to provide advice both to central government and local authorities.

At the same time, the amount of paper currently held by central government is larger than ever, and needs to be properly managed to allow departments to operate effectively. Good records management will also be essential if government is to meet the requirements of Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Human Rights legislation.

Another major function of the department is to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs on questions relating to public access to records and on the public records system generally.