Author: Government recordkeeping
PROV and the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) have issued a joint statement on the importance of good recordkeeping to the effective operation of Freedom of Information. The statement includes recommendations for public offices, as follows:
- Develop clear and accessible information management policies and procedures
- Ensure staff across the organisation understand their obligations for accurate recordkeeping and naming conventions
- Ensure records are retained for the minimum required period in accordance with PROV Retention and Disposal Authorities and that permanent value records are identified and transferred to PROV
- Ensure staff responsible for undertaking searches for documents have appropriate access to all systems and databases to allow for thorough and diligent searches to be undertaken. Staff should be aware of any records their public office has previously transferred to PROV, so that they can be included in the searches.
More information on the joint statement can be accessed via the OVIC website.
Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples