Sterling meets with Information Commissioner

The Head of the Civil Service, David Sterling has met with Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham to discuss information management in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).

The Commissioner is to make recommendations to the NICS on a range of issues which she believes will promote good practice across departments.

David Sterling said: “I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Information Commissioner. We had a constructive discussion about the importance of effective information governance.

“Following a discussion with Permanent Secretaries of all NI Departments, I assured the Commissioner of our commitment to maintaining good records of government business, including documenting key decisions.  As part of that commitment, the NICS will, in consultation with the Information Commissioner's Office, review and refresh existing records information management procedural guidance.”

Elizabeth Denham said: “Creating and preserving records of key decisions are the foundation of good governance, accountable and transparent government. They are also key to inspiring the public in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to have confidence in their information rights.

“I’ll be making recommendations to improve practice to the NICS that apply irrespective of the technology or the messaging platform used. These recommendations will be equally relevant to other public administrations in the UK in the context of the use of new technologies and increasingly transitory communications systems.”

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