Why are records in the public sector organizational assets?

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to explore ways in which records support the mandate and activities of public sector bodies in the UK, in particular compliance with legislation, including the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on high profile public enquiries as a trigger for examining the value of records in answering questions of public interest, the article goes on to report on recent research into FOI and records and to comment on the broad legislative and regulatory framework for records management.

Findings

The article concludes that records are an essential element in the accountability of government, in the maintenance of transparent democracies, in the provision of access by citizens to information and in the effective formulation and execution of policies.

Originality/value

Brings together thinking about the organizational value of records in theoretical terms with specific high profile examples of public enquiries and recent legislation.

Citation

Shepherd, E. (2006), "Why are records in the public sector organizational assets?", Records Management Journal, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 6-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690610654747