Records management code

The National Archives is working to promote compliance with the Code of Practice on the management of records in all public authorities.

Section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 required the Lord Chancellor to issue a Code of Practice on the management of records. The Code is a technical document aimed at supporting management of public authority records and information under the Act.

In 2018, The National Archives was commissioned to undertake a routine review of the Code. The Code has since been revised and updated on a principles-based, format-neutral basis, bringing the existing 2009 code up to date with contemporary information management practice and the modern digital working environment. The revised Code places information management in the context of broad principles, providing a more accessible framework which outlines how authorities should best manage their information to support appropriate public access under the Act. The Code also clarifies the basis on which the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives operates.

The Information Commissioner and the Chief Executive of The National Archives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out how they will work together on promoting and monitoring the code.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Information Commissioner and the Chief Executive of The National Archives (PDF, 1.6 MB)