Latest Developments

Publication of Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 Annual Report for 2023

The Keeper’s Annual Report for 2022-2023, published under the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011, was laid in the Scottish Parliament on 20 December 2023. It reflects the tenth year of activity since the Act was implemented in January 2013

The Keeper’s Annual Report for 2023 on the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 is available to download. The main aim of the Act is to improve the quality of record keeping in approximately 250 named Scottish public authorities. It requires authorities to submit records management plans to the Keeper for agreement.

In total, we have now agreed 293 Records Management Plans and sent 298 invitations to authorities since the Act came into force in January 2013.

We are pleased to report that the voluntary Progress Update Review mechanism, remains popular with stakeholders. Sixty PUR reports were issued to public authorities.

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the Act. We will reflect on progress under the Act with the help of our stakeholder community. We will reflect on the journey; the successes and the challenges. We will think about the plans that have been assessed and agreed, the evidence evaluated and guidance developed, the liaison that has taken place and the relationships built. We will take time to be pleased about the progress that we know has been achieved. We will also consider what lessons are to be learned, and what we might do differently as we look forward to the next ten years.