24 Constitution and Administration
Power. These publications and reference materials can be accessed at the Civil Service Bureau's home page.
Government Records Service
The Government Records Service (GRS) manages government records and provides a full range of records and archival management services.
The GRS develops and oversees the implementation of the government records management system and operates two Records Centres as repositories for storage of inactive government records. In the light of the growing demand for electronic records management, GRS is studying the feasibility of managing multi-media records through electronic record keeping systems.
The GRS also contributes to the protection of Hong Kong's archival heritage through proper preservation and conservation of government archival holdings. Its microfilm centre is an ISO 9001:2000 certified unit that meets international standards in providing microfilm services for government agencies.
In maintaining one of the largest local sources of information for historical and other studies relating to Hong Kong, the GRS appraises and acquires records of enduring value from government and private sources. A wealth of archival records is kept, including government publications, reports, newspapers, printed materials and monographs on Hong Kong. Members of the public may access these records by visiting the purpose-built Hong Kong Public Records Building in Kwun Tong or using the online service at http://www.grs.gov.hk.
Office of The Ombudsman
The Office of The Ombudsman is an independent statutory authority, established in 1989 under the Ombudsman Ordinance, to redress grievances arising from maladministration in the public sector through independent and impartial investigations to improve the standard of public administrations.
Since December 2001, the Office severed its linkage with the Administration and became a corporation sole. It has set up its administrative systems and recruits contract staff on its own remuneration packages.
Directly responsible to the Chief Executive, The Ombudsman serves as the community's monitor on government departments and public bodies specified in the schedule to the ordinance to ensure that:
bureaucratic constraints do not interfere with administrative fairness;
• public authorities are readily accessible to the public;
• abuse of power is prevented;
• wrongs are righted;
• facts are pointed out when public officers are unjustly accused;
• human rights are protected; and