1. 1 VIDEO CONFERENCE ON RECORDS MANAGEMENT 6 June, 2000 Accra, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Washington “How can a Culture of Records Management in Government be built and sustained” Mike Stevens, Lead Specialist Public Sector Reform and Capacity Building Unit Africa Region, The World Bank Washington, D.C.

2. 2 What is a Culture of Records Management in Government? An Answer -When evidence is seen as the foundation of good governance - When policy-makers understand records management matters -When routines of efficient storage and retrieval of records are second nature to staff

3. 3 Capacity Building is Matching Supply with Demand

4. 4 What are the Component Parts of Demand for Records Management Internal Demand Internal demand for records management occurs when it is part of a broader drive for well- performing government.

5. 5 What are the Component Parts of Demand for Records Management (con’td.) External Demand External demand for records management occurs when there are effective accountability mechanisms which can put pressure on government for good performance.

6. 6 What are the Elements of Effective Internal Demand Committed Leadership Evidence based policy-making Effective internal inspection systems Performance orientation in service delivery Accounting officers held accountable for performance Others?

7. 7 How can External Demand be Encouraged Built strong external accountability mechanism –Auditor-General and PAC –Ombudsman –Judicial Systems Shift pschycology of government from “official secrets” to “right to information” Pass a FOI law

8. 8 What are the Main Elements of “Right to Information Legislation ” Principle of citizens’ right to information about government Clear definition of protected information Departments to list the information they hold

9. 9 What are the Main Elements of “Right to Information Legislation” (cont’d.) Procedures for applying for information Training of staff Departmental reporting Oversight/appeals body Will such a law work in a developing country and increase demand for records management?

10. 10 Addressing Informality, the Enemy of Records Management What is informality in the public service? What are its causes? How can they be addressed ?