A functional approach to appraisal and retention scheduling

摘要

Purpose - This paper sets out to present the approach being taken to appraisal and retention scheduling at the National Patient Safety Agency based upon the principles of ISO 15489. Design/methodology/approach - The paper sets out the background to, and the factors affecting, the development of appraisal and scheduling practice. It then focuses on the use of a functional analysis approach to appraisal and scheduling within the context of a pilot project, describing the appraisal methodology, survey and scheduling techniques used within the pilot and evaluating their effectiveness in meeting relevant statutory and organisational requirements for records retention.rnFindings - The pilot survey provided valuable learning. Functional appraisal and surveying techniques were found to be particularly effective for establishing the business context of records and identifying their primary values; that is the legal and organisational requirements governing their retention. However, they were less effective at recognising secondary values such as archival value or dealing with the legacy records.rnOriginality/value - The paper concludes by considering the lessons learned and how they are influencing the development of retention policy and practice.