Publication of Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 Annual Report for 2015

 The Keeper’s Annual Report for 2015, published under the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011, has been laid before the Scottish Parliament.  It reflects the second full year of activity since the Act came into force on 1 January 2013.

The 2015 report can be viewed on this website.

The primary aim of the Act is to improve the quality of record keeping within 250 named Scottish public authorities. In so doing it helps those authorities to safeguard and prioritise public records as a guarantor of the rights of Scottish citizens.

The report shows that further successes and measurable improvements have been made to public record keeping. The Act requires the named authorities to submit records management plans to the Keeper for agreement. A total of 59 records management plans submitted by authorities have been agreed since the Act came into force and 116 authorities have been invited to submit their plans. Many had them agreed during 2014/15 and they are listed within the report. Plans agreed show that authorities are taking their responsibilities seriously and that good practice is being followed in key areas.

The Act is central to a long-term process of improving the standard of record-keeping across the Scottish public sector. It continues to build trust and promote a new culture around record keeping, one which values public records and ensures that they remain authentic, accurate and true.