Retention policy

Retaining and disposing of information is an important part of managing records within HSE.

Records are important, as they are often a unique source of evidence and information about HSE's activities and decision making. However, clearly it would be impossible and unnecessary to keep all records forever and as records reach the end of their administrative life they are subject to formal disposal procedures. HSE has developed a record retention policy to underpin these disposal arrangements, based on the following principles:

• Legal requirement
• Historical value and transfer to The National Archive
• Business requirement including the need for transparency and accountability

The HSE Business Classification Scheme and Retention Schedule outlines our objectives and criteria for organising and managing information. It also explains the policy framework and process for appraising records generally.

20-year rule: Record transfer report

In 2013 the government will begin its move towards releasing records when they are 20 years old, instead of 30. The introduction of a 20-year rule is a key part of the government's transparency agenda and The National Archives is helping to manage the earlier release of the public record.

In September 2012, HSE and other government bodies who transfer records to The National Archives provided data on the volume and transfer status of the records they hold that date up to 1984. The transition to a 20-year rule will take place over ten years and this type of data will be collected by The National Archives throughout that period and published on their website.