Information management assessments

Supporting compliance with the Section 46 Code of practice on records management across government

The Information management assessments are a cross-government programme developed to assess the level of risk central government bodies face through poor information management and non-compliance with the Code. The basis for the assessment is the Lord Chancellor's Code of Practice on the Management of Records under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

For an overview of the aims of Information management assessments and methodology, please click on the programme launch document below:

Information management assessments (PDF, 294.45kb)

What is assessed during this process?

The assessment is carried out in four key areas, which are based on the section 46 Code. You can find detailed descriptions of our assessment purposes in these areas by clicking on the links below:

Part 1: Strategic assessment (PDF, 1834.54kb)

Part 2: Record creation and management (PDF, 1316.67kb)

Part 3: Appraisal and disposal (PDF, 1053.22kb)

Part 4: Transfer to The National Archives (PDF, 666.48kb)

What does an assessment involve?

After a government body has been selected for assessment, it is asked to complete a pre-assessment questionnaire that is used to identify which key areas need detailed assessment. Once these areas have been agreed, the assessment team will arrange to visit the organisation to interview selected staff. The results of the assessment will be reported to the organisation's Permanent Secretary or CEO. The National Archives will then work with the assessed organisation to develop an action plan to address the risks identified in the report, a summary of which will be published on our website. For detailed information please see our assessment procedures.

Download our assessment procedures (PDF, 741.46kb)

Download pre-assessment questionnaire (Microsoft Excel, 160.50kb)

What is the aim of the Information management assessments programme?

The ultimate aim of the assessments is to have information management recognised as a core activity within government. We hope to improve the standard of information and records management by highlighting good practice, identifying where poor practice may pose risks and making recommendations to address these issues. For more information on the programme, email section46@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Which bodies does the programme cover?

The programme covers the main central government departments subject to the Freedom of Information Act. For other public bodies, including local government, a self assessment workbook and an automated support tool have been developed.

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