MENTAL HEALTH TRIBUNAL FOR SCOTLAND: RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY. Ensuring Information is Accurate and Fit for Purpose

Transcription

1 MENTAL HEALTH TRIBUNAL FOR SCOTLAND: RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY Index: Introduction Information is a Corporate Resource Personal Responsibility Information Accessibility Keeping Records of what we do Ensuring Information is Accurate and Fit for Purpose Compliance with Statutory and Regulatory Requirements Annex 1 Personal Responsibilities Annex 2 Retention and Disposal strategy 1

2 Introduction 1. The Tribunal was formed on 5 October 2005 as a result of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act The Tribunal s administration is provided to the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland by the Justice Department of the Scottish Government (SG). Duties are delegated by the President. 2. This paper describes the policy for the management of all records of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (MHTS). It takes account of the need for the MHTS to adhere to the principles of the Public Records Act 1958 and This Act determines that all files are reviewed regularly for disposal and examined for possible historical preservation by the National Archives of Scotland (NAS). 3. The policy is also based firmly on the agreed Scottish Government Information Management Principles as they apply to MHTS, namely: Information is a Corporate Resource MHTS information is a corporate resource. Personal Responsibility - Everybody is personally responsible for the effective management of the information they create or use. Information Accessibility - We make our information accessible to others in MHTS except where there is a specific and agreed reason not to. Keeping Records of What We Do - We retain details of all the decisions made on behalf of MHTS. Ensuring Information is Accurate and Fit for Purpose - We ensure that the information we create on behalf of MHTS is accurate and fit for purpose. Compliance with Statutory and Regulatory Requirements - We ensure that our information management practices comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements. Further guidance on compliance with the Information Management principles can be found via: 4. The policy considers the impact of the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA), including the Code of Practice on Records Management and Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Government Information. It also takes account of advice from SG Records Management Branch, SG Freedom of Information Unit and National Archives Scotland on the appropriate retention period for files and the materials they contain. Due to the judicial nature of the Tribunal, an exemption from Freedom Of Information (FOI) requests applies. Furthermore it is the policy of the Tribunal not to release the recording (digital or otherwise) of any hearing to any person unless ordered to do so by a Court. It is possible, however, to make an FOI request in relation to information of a non-judicial nature. 2

3 Information is a Corporate Resource 5. Information is a resource "owned" by MHTS, not by the individual who creates or receives information on behalf of the organisation. 6. With the enactment of DPA and FOISA, it is essential that the corporate record is reliable, complete and retrievable with a systematic records management system. 7. With this in mind, all MHTS files must be classified under the system of ciphers set out in the associated operational guidance and be organised according to file themes and topics contained within the MHTS filing structure which reflect our corporate responsibilities. 8. All files other than work-in-progress files will be integrated within the MHTS records management filing system, and be registered on a communal and fully indexed masterfile list. This identifies who is responsible for management of each file. 9. Paper and electronic files are the corporate record, the authoritative source and repository of information. As such they must be maintained to ensure that they are complete, accurate, authentic and, subject to the necessary security requirements, accessible. This means that all relevant documents either received or generated electronically must be printed off and placed in the paper file unless stored electronically. 10. All documentation received in hard copy which is required as part of the corporate record will be scanned and held on the electronic record. There will be an average ten per cent quality control check to ensure that scanned copies are of an acceptable standard. Certified copies of scanned documents will be provided when required. Personal Responsibility 11. While MHTS "owns" the information created and held in its name, responsibility for the standard, accuracy and completeness of how this information is managed and used on a daily basis lies with individual staff. This means that individuals are responsible for ensuring that the information they create or receive is managed appropriately. A detailed list outlining personal responsibilities can be found in annex 1 of this paper. 3

4 Information Accessibility 12. Following the principle that openness is at the heart of what we do, information we create or hold should be accessible to as wide an audience as possible, including to external contacts and the general public, when this is appropriate. It should be noted that anything that can identify a patient or details of an individual case would not be open to the public. 13. In line with this principle, MHTS will make our information as accessible to as wide an audience as we can unless there is a specific reason not to such as medical records or proceedings before a tribunal. Whenever possible, we will publish our information. We have also produced a publication scheme which sets out the information that we publish, in what form it is published, and details of any costs which would be incurred in obtaining information. The scheme can be accessed by MHTS staff via their shared Drive. 14. The publication scheme does not list all of the information held or published by MHTS. If information is sought from MHTS which is not included in the scheme, MHTS will determine whether this information can be disclosed by following the guidelines on handling requests for information which is found in the MHTS publication scheme via the above link. We will comply with the protocol on FOISA handling and other obligations agreed between MHTS and SG. This protocol can be accessed by MHTS staff via their shared Drive. Keeping Records of What We Do 15. We are required to keep records of what we do. It is critical that records of decisions and actions are complete and accurate. MHTS must be able to provide a full history of its decisions and actions and these must be accessible to those within (and, potentially, outside) the organisation who may reasonably require them. Full records might be needed for a number of reasons, such as demonstrating the chain of events and decisions that led to a particular course of action or to respond to requests for information. This means that details relevant to decisions or actions, including s and notes that are needed to complete the "story", are retained for an appropriate period and can be found if required. 16. MHTS has an agreed records management schedule to ensure that records are organised effectively and we meet our legal obligations. It is essential that we apply and adhere to the principles of that schedule, which are that we will: clarify what information is held and ensure that information is appropriately ordered and readily accessible to staff by storing it appropriately within the corporate file structure; 4

5 clearly annotate materials required as part of the corporate record with the reference number. Electronic files need to be saved within the appropriate area on the G-Drive and CMS with a unique document title which clearly relates to the content of the material to assist with retrieval. ensure that paper files in frequent use are held by caseworkers in Bothwell House for ease of access; ensure that all materials generated within MHTS are retained only for as long as there is an operational or legislative need to do so. use the Scottish Government Records Management Manual as a source of guidance and adhere in particular to Annex 2 of this guidance in relation to the retention and disposal of files. follow the principles outlined by The National Archives as a source of guidance for retention of retention of FOISA materials. This guidance can be found by accessing: consider files for preservation if there is a specific reason to do so. Generally, this will involve those which are of genuine historical interest. Guidelines for selecting records for preservation can be found by accessing appendix 3 of the Scottish Government Records Management Manual; 17. MHTS retention and disposal strategy can be found in annex 2 of this document. Ensuring Information is Accurate and Fit for Purpose 18. Staff working at MHTS have a responsibility to create and maintain information in a way that is appropriate for its intended purpose. We need to be able to rely on the information we hold to give us, the Scottish Government Ministers and our external audiences confidence that our decisions are based on accurate and up to date information. We need to provide factually accurate answers in response to requests for information and it is important that information we produce is seen to be authoritative unless exempt. This includes the accurate capture of documents as a history of business activities and the accuracy of the content of an individual document as well as only using or recording personal information when there is a specific operational need to do so. 5

6 Compliance with Statutory and Regulatory Requirements 19. This principle places a responsibility on staff working at MHTS to comply with guidance relating to legislative and regulatory requirements. It is essential that MHTS sets a positive example by complying fully with such requirements and it is in our own interests to do so since compliance will help us ensure that our information management practices are consistent and appropriate. Guidance that staff have to comply with includes Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Copyright legislation and the Disability Discrimination Act. Further guidance on compliance with these authorities can be found via: This policy is under constant review. 6

7 Annex 1 Personal Responsibilities 1. It is the responsibility of the Business Manager: to ensure that the evaluation guidance for their inspection or review model fully recognises the requirements of MHTS Records Management Policy and is fit for purpose ; to ensure that evaluation material is recorded in a way compatible with the standards outlined in paragraph It is the responsibility of MHTS: The Casework and Scheduling Manager, Hearings Manager, Resource Manager, Communications Officer, ICT Manager and the Business Manager hereinafter referred to as Document Records Managers to take responsibility for ensuring that their files are sorted properly and contain only relevant material; when Document Records Managers, ensure adequate administrative arrangements are agreed with their support staff to assist evaluation activities and ensure that files are sorted properly and contain only relevant material; when group chairs or task managers, as Document Records Managers, inform the Business Manager when new files are to be set up for new tasks, commissions or other purposes and; when Document Records Managers to ensure that papers which might be relevant to more than one file (for example a record of a visit to an establishment associated with a task should be recorded on the task file and the establishment intelligence file) are accurate, complete and annotated to highlight other relevant files; when Document Records Managers, to review files on closure and in conjunction with the MHTS Records Management Policy as appropriate, decide whether they should be considered for preservation, and advise the Business Manager accordingly. In the case of permanent files, identify any materials worthy of preservation before weeding takes place. All material not considered for preservation should be destroyed in line with the retention and disposal strategy; to pass all appropriate papers and electronic records to the Business Manager for filing on registered files and electronic folders, annotated with the relevant file name and reference; 7

8 to ensure that working documents held outwith the corporate record are kept to a minimum (generally for ongoing tasks) and are accessible to others. Working files should contain no sole or original documents and should be disposed of once the task is complete and all materials required as part of the corporate record have been filed appropriately; to notify MHTS Business Manager of any transfer of responsibilities; 3. It is the responsibility of the Business Manager to ensure that administrative guidelines fully recognise this Records Management Policy. This includes prompting Document Records Managers in their offices to confirm that file management procedures are being adhered to appropriately. 4. It is the responsibility of the Business Manager: when acting as a Document Records Manager, to take responsibility for ensuring that their files are sorted properly and contain only current and relevant material to keep files, particularly evaluation files, complete and up to date in line with Document Records Managers instructions and file checklists; to alert the relevant Document Records Managers to any difficulties in keeping the file complete and up to date; to ensure that locally held paper files are properly managed in line with Document Records Managers instructions and that material is filed promptly in date order; to destroy all paper and electronic materials in line with file checklists and retention/disposal guidelines; to open new files and ensure that they are entered on the masterfile index, and include any relevant file notes as instructed by Document Records Managers and; to dispose of files marked for destruction by Document Records Managers, and record the corporate masterfile list, appropriately 5. It is the responsibility of the Business Manager: to ensure detailed operational guidance is available for MHTS practitioners; to advise on any aspect of records management, and promote good practice to arrange adequate training for all MHTS staff on effective records management practice and the requirements of FOISA and; to oversee the maintenance of the corporate masterfile list and make amendments as required by Document Records Managers. 8

9 Annex 2 Retention and Disposal strategy Records Schedule for Documents Not Governed by Data Protection 1998 Act or Freedom of Information Type of File Scanned Hard Copy Archived From CMS Case Management Yes Destroyed immediately 5 years after System: Class 1* after all forms and other order issued. correspondence are attached to the case on Case Management System: Class 2** and all Hearings Documents Case Management System: Class 3*** and all Hearings Documents Yes Yes the CMS. Held for 3 months after last possible appeal date then destroyed or 3 months after last day of appeal. Held for 3 months after last possible appeal date then destroyed or 3 months after last day of appeal. 5 years after last order issued. 5 years after last order issued. Audio Recordings: No N/A 1 year after last order issued or appeal etc. Archive Destroyed 15 years after last order issued. Held indefinitely and reviewed every 5 years after last order issued. 25 years after last order issued. Held for 1 year then destroyed. ` * Class 1 Form types DET2, DET4, REV1, REV2, CT03a, CT09, C02a and associated correspondence or any other papers is connection with sections 46, 48, 49, 52, 82, 86, 116, or 153. ** Class 2 Form types CORO1, CORO2, EXS1, EXS2, EXS3, HD2 and associated correspondence or any other papers in connection with sections 185,187, 189,191, 192, 201, 204, 210, 2111, 213, 214, 219, 220, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 271, 290 or 291. *** Class 3 all other forms and papers associated with any other sections of the Act. All papers connected with a case are given the same classification and will be destroyed as a group of records. 9

10 Records Schedule for Documents Governed by Data Protection 1998 Act or Freedom of Information Type of File Policy: Policy documents including consultation papers, minutes and responses, working party papers and final reports. Any document that records what MHTS has done, why it was done and who authorised it. Policy correspondence with other Government Departments, public bodies etc. Development: Documents recording changes in structure or resources of MHTS. Disposal of Electronic Record or Hard Copy if no E-copy available. Destroy 10 years after closure except as stated in notes. Destroy 5 years after closure except as stated in notes. Notes One review only if subject likely still to be live. One review unless clearly of minor interest, when immediate decision to destroy in 5 years might be possible. Consultation papers and responses. Contacts Procurement All procurement papers, award and management of contracts. Ministerial: Ministerial meetings and visits briefings. Minutes and agendas and reports. Submissions to Ministers and replies from Private Offices. Finance: PES records Estimates records Appropriation Account records Payment records Management Meetings: Including minutes, agendas and responses to actions. Preserve. Destroy 5 years after closure. Destroy 5 years after closure. Destroy 10 years after closure. Destroy 10 years after closure. Destroy 10 years after closure. Destroy 7 years after closure. Destroy 5 years after closure. 10 Are the records candidates for early or extended closure? If so inform NAS accordingly. (Not possible if respondents wish views to be confidential.)

11 Office Procedures: Work plans, training, manpower requirements, management planning. Procedure manuals. Correspondence: General correspondence documents. Destroy 5 years after closure. Preserve. Destroy 5 years after closure. Are the records candidates for early or extended closure? If so, inform NAS accordingly. 11

12 Annex 3 POLICY ON THE SECURE HANDLING, USE, STORAGE AND RETENTION OF DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND INFORMATION 1 General Principles 1. MHTS complies fully with the Code of Practice, issued by Scottish Ministers, regarding the correct handling, holding and destroying of Disclosure information provided by Disclosure Scotland under Part V of the Police Act 1997 ( the 1997 Act ), for the purposes of assessing applicants' suitability for employment purposes, voluntary positions, licensing and other relevant purposes. It also complies fully with the Data Protection Act 1998 and other relevant legislation pertaining to the safe handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of Disclosure information and has a written policy on these matters. This policy is available to anyone who wishes to see it on request. Usage 2. We use Disclosure information only for the purpose for which it has been provided. The information provided by an individual for a position within MHTS (including public appointments) is not used or disclosed in a manner incompatible with the purpose. We process personal data only with the express consent of the individual. We notify the individual of any non-obvious use of the data, including further disclosure to a third party, identifying the Data Controller, the purpose for the processing, and any further relevant information. Handling 3. MHTS recognises that, under section of the 1997 Act, it is a criminal offence to disclose Disclosure information to any unauthorised person. We, therefore, only pass Disclosure information to those who are authorised to see it in the course of their duties. MHTS will not disclose information provided under subsection 113(B)(5) 2 of the 1997 Act, namely information which is not included in the Disclosure, to the applicant. 1 The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 ( the 2005 Act ) Schedule 14, Paragraph 12 amended section Subsection 163(2) of the 2005 Act inserted subsection 113B into the 1997 Act. Subsection 113B(5) of the 2005 Act replaces subsection 115(8) of the 1997 Act. 12

13 Access and Storage 4. We do not keep Disclosure information on an individual's personnel file. It is kept securely, in lockable, non-portable storage containers. Access to storage units is strictly controlled to authorised and named individuals, who are entitled to see such information in the course of their duties. These are: The President of the Tribunal; Retention The Tribunal s Legal Secretary; The Tribunal s Head of Administration and Deputy Head of Administration; The Tribunal s Business Support Officer and the Tribunal s Communications Officer who will jointly be responsible for administering a control database of certificates that have been applied for and received. 5. We do not keep Disclosures or Disclosure information for any longer than is required after a recruitment (or any other relevant) decision has been taken. In general, this is no longer than 90 days. This is to allow for the resolution of any disputes or complaints. Disclosure information will only be retained for longer than this period in exceptional circumstances which justify retention for a longer period. The same conditions relating to secure storage and access will apply during any such period. Disposal 6. Once the retention period has elapsed, we will ensure that Disclosure information is immediately destroyed in a secure manner i.e. by shredding. MHTS will ensure that Disclosure information which is awaiting destruction will not be kept in any insecure receptacle (e.g. a waste bin or confidential waste sack). We will not retain any image or photocopy or any other form of the Disclosure information. We will, however, keep a record of the date of issue of the Disclosure, the name of the subject, the Disclosure type, the position for which the Disclosure was requested, the unique reference number of the Disclosure and details of the recruitment decision taken. 13