Knowledge and information are assets that critically underpin the work of government. Excellent management of these assets is needed to unlock their value while keeping the record secure.
Government recognises knowledge and information management as a formal profession and a critical business activity, on a par with Finance, IT, Communications and Human Resources and the challenges are similar to those facing these other functions. Information matters outlines the importance of the Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) function operating within public sector organisations.
The key coalition policy areas that require knowledge and information management expertise include transparency, Freedom of Information and the move to a 20-year rule for transferring historically significant records into the public domain. The skills needed to enable the KIM function to meet the government's requirements are different from those needed in the past. The Government Knowledge and Information Management (GKIM) profession must must continue to build the capabilities of its members and equip them to deal with the emerging challenges of a complex digital society.
Role of the GKIM professional
The work of GKIM professionals enables the creation, storage and exploitation of knowledge and information. The range of roles associated with the profession and the related skills are depicted within the GKIM Professional Skills Framework.
The Head of Profession works with the Knowledge Council and GKIM practitioners to:
- build recognition among senior members of the civil service of the expertise of GKIM practitioners and the value they bring
- improve the way departments manage information as a valuable asset, ensuring it is protected, made accessible where appropriate and used effectively to inform decision-making and to provide efficient public services
- develop professionalism, a competency framework and learning opportunities to equip GKIM professionals with the most up-to-date skills and career paths
- unify specialist disciplines and professions within the GKIM profession to build a stronger community
- raise core skills in managing knowledge and information across government
The main platform for collaboration among the professional membership is the secure GKIM community area on Civil Pages.
Developing core skills
The GKIM profession is also building an understanding across government of the need to embed a stronger knowledge and information management culture, and to develop the core skills that many members of staff will need in order to use the information and knowledge assets in their organisations effectively.
Enhanced skills benefit senior leaders with responsibility for organisational effectiveness: policy makers, statisticians, scientists, researchers and others who produce and apply knowledge and information; and all staff who need to use knowledge and information effectively to produce quality outputs.
Governance
Karen McFarlane, Deputy Director, Information and Exploitation at GCHQ is the Head of Profession for GKIM. Karen chairs the Knowledge Council and, through working with these government heads of KIM, seeks to raise government capability in knowledge and information management.
The Knowledge Council is the formal governing body for the profession. Members collaborate on a range of projects and work with the KIM Practitioners Group to implement changes in strategy and to improve the professions ability to deliver effective services.
The Government Knowledge and Information Management Network team provides the overall co-ordination of the professions initiatives, drawing on expertise from departments across Whitehall and the wider public sector. Contact us for more information.
Read more in the GKIM profession FAQs.
