ICO calls out DoH on data management

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The Department of Health needs “significant improvements” in records management, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has said.

Following an assessment by the National Archives, the ICO said the DoH had good central policies and guidance, but criticised the department for leaving day-to-day management of records to local staff, who have developed their own ways of working.

The ICO called for senior managers to do more to reinforce department-wide data practices, especially given the frequent changes facing the department.

Assistant information commissioner Gerrard Tracey said in a statement: “Existing guidance states that good records management should be seen as a benefit, not a burden. All organisations, public and private, are advised to have good records management as part of achieving business efficiency, by making sure that information is easily retrieved and properly documented.”

This is the second so-called “practice recommendation” the ICO has issued to the DoH. The first was served last April, after the health body failed to meet Freedom of Information Act requirements.

That said, the ICO statement said the watchdog “recognises” that the department is trying to do improve its systems, and “welcomes this approach.” Practice recommendations do not force any action.

A Department of Health spokesperson said in a statement that its board had approved work to fix the problems raised by the ICO report.

"The department takes its responsibilities for effective information management seriously. It has policies and facilities in place to promote good record-keeping, but recognises that there is more to do to ensure compliance," the statement said.

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