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 HSC/E'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 [726kb] outlines our objectives and criteria for organising and managing information. It also explains the policy framework and process for appraising records generally.