×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog

Editorial note: This article was updated in November 2021

Are you compliant with the State Records Act? The start of a new academic year is a good time to review your records management.

This might include putting aside a regular time to manage your files, or clarify what documents or correspondence you need to file.

All ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog personnel have obligations to maintain records under the and the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog's Information Management Policy. A "record" might be an email, letter, lab book, diagram, photograph, set of lecture handouts, payment receipt - or anything else tangible (or reproducible) that shows what the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog does, has done, or will be doing.

There are many additional reasons for complying with the . Good file management:

• Contributes to the smooth operation of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog by making information available when it is needed for decision-making and operational activities
• Provides precedent, background information and analytical material for new staff or colleagues working on similar projects
• Creates a complete record of official actions that will remain with the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog for future use by others and may later be transferred to the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Archives as a historical record
• Ensures accountability
• Ensures that electronic records, especially those generated by desktop applications will be available to all authorised personnel
• Protects records from inappropriate and unauthorised access

It is easy to let filing tasks pile up or neglect those emails that have accumulated in your electronic archive – it all becomes too much after a while and creates an enormous task. A routine that you will stick to for the year might save much heartache to you and others trying to source the basis for a decision, activity or Freedom of Information inquiry in the future.