A functional approach to appraisal and retention scheduling
| Pages | 104-116 |
| Published date | 30 March 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691011039870 |
| Date | 30 March 2010 |
| Author | Elizabeth Man |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
A functional approach to
appraisal and retention
scheduling
Elizabeth Man
National Patient Safety Agency, London, UK
Abstract
Purpose – This paper sets out to present the approach being taken to appraisal and retention
scheduling at the National Patient Safety Agency based upon the principles of ISO 15489.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets out the background to, and the factors
affecting, the development of appraisal and scheduling practice. It then focuses on the use of a
functional analysis approach to appraisal and scheduling within the context of a pilot project,
describing the appraisal methodology, survey and scheduling techniques used within the pilot and
evaluating their effectiveness in meeting relevant statutory and organisational requirements for
records retention.
Findings – The pilot survey provided valuable learning. Functional appraisal and surveying
techniques were found to be particularly effective for establishing the business context of records and
identifying their primary values; that is the legal and organisational requirements governing their
retention. However, they were less effective at recognising secondary values such as archival value or
dealing with the legacy records.
Originality/value – The paper concludes by considering the lessons learned and how they are
influencing the development of retention policy and practice.
Keywords Performanceappraisal, Retention, Standards, HealthAuthorities
Paper type General review
Background
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) was created as a Special Health Authority
in July 2001. The statutory function of the NPSA is to promote patient safety by:
.establishing and managing a national reporting and learning system for adverse
incidents and near misses;
.assimilating safety-related information from other organisations;
.designing solutions that prevent harm;
.promoting research;
.advising ministers and others on patient safety issues;
.promoting an open and fair culture in the NHS; and
.developing memoranda of understanding with other key healthcare
organisations that have an interest or involvement in patient safety.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm
This articles was originally published in Records Management Journal, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 21-33
(2005) and is republished here as part of the journal’s 20th anniversary commemorative issue.
RMJ
20,1
104
Records Management Journal
Vol. 20 No. 1, 2010
pp. 104-116
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0956-5698
DOI 10.1108/09565691011039870
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