For local authorities implementing the Freedom of Information Act, the Lord Chancellor’s Department (Department for Constitutional Affairs) has issued a Records Management Code of Practice (the ‘Section 46 Code’).
This code states:
"Authorities should seek to conform to the provisions of BSI’s BIP 0008 Code of Practice for Legal Admissibility and Evidential Weight of Information Stored Electronically (2nd edition) - especially for those records likely to be required as evidence."
This is a direct requirement for all public bodies to implement the code of practice.
This code of practice has been published in recognition of the growth in electronic information management systems, and the continuing uncertainty about the legal acceptability of information stored on these systems.
This document provides good practice guidance for the electronic creation, storage and retrieval of information.
Also available
This book is available as part of the Legal Admissibility Collection CD
A set of guidance and workbooks offer best practice, practical advice on the legal admissibility of electronic information.