The Government fully recognises the importance of records management and has been implementing essential principles adopted internationally through administrative arrangements.
Chief Secretary Carrie Lam made the statement to legislators today, saying the Government is committed to identifying and preserving government records that have archival value by putting in place administrative arrangements to comprehensively regulate record management.
The Government Records Service oversees the overall management of government records and ensures they are properly managed and those with archival value are preserved for public access.
The principles adopted include promulgation of recordkeeping standards; designation of obligations and responsibilities of government agencies relating to creating, keeping, maintaining and protecting government records; destruction of records to be subject to prior authorisation of archival authority; setting out responsibility for safe custody and conservation of archival materials; and provision for public access to public records.
In recent years the service has implemented new measures and strengthened its manpower support to further improve the system, she said.
Arrangements for records creation, disposal, transfer and public access have been enhanced, and more training courses have been provided.
Records management by government agencies is better monitored and regulated.
“We believe that formulating and implementing an effective framework of administrative arrangements is essential to the refinement of the records management in the Government.
“When developing our present records management system, we have made reference to those of different countries and regions such as the UK, the US and Australia, as well as adopted internationally recognised standards and practices.”
Officials are also sent for overseas visits and exchanges to keep abreast of the latest information and trends on records and archives management.
The Government keeps the current administrative arrangements under review and will improve on them when appropriate, she added.
