4: Public authorities must actively manage permanent, high-value and high-risk records and information as a priority

Permanent value, in relation to a public record, means that, having regard to any archives appraisal statement;(a) the record has been identified for retention under a disposal authorisation; or (b) the record otherwise has enduring value and is appropriate for retention in the custody of the archives.

High value records are those that are important to the business, its operations, or stakeholders.

High-risk records are those that pose a significant risk to the public authority if they were misused, lost, damaged or deleted prematurely. These records should have the highest priority for public authorities when developing and implementing their governance practices.

Public authorities must actively manage permanent, high-value and high-risk records by:

• defining the criteria and processes for identifying permanent, high-value and high-risk records, including transfer of permanent value records to QSA
• formally documenting details of permanent, high-value and high-risk records
• actively maintaining visibility of these records while they are being used, including monitoring processes for permanent, high-value and high-risk records held in business systems and applications.

Last updated:

27 November 2025