24 | Constitution and Administration
effective storage of inactive government records and an ISO 9001:2000 certified Microfilm Centre providing microfilming services for government departments and agencies.
With the growing need for proper management of electronic records, GRS is currently studying the feasibility of managing multi-media records and materials through electronic record-keeping systems.
GRS appraises, acquires, preserves and provides access to records of enduring value from public and private sources. Through its public programmes and reference services, it encourages understanding, use and protection of Hong Kong's documentary heritage. Its Central Preservation Library for Government Publications contains a wealth of historical and current printed materials for research and study of Hong Kong. Members of the public are welcome to visit the purpose-built archival facilities in the Hong Kong Public Records Building at 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong or use its online service at 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. It redresses grievances arising from maladministration in the public sector and improves the standard of public administration through independent and impartial investigations.
In December 2001, the Office severed its link with the Administration and became a corporation sole. It has set up its own administrative system 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
• the public sector continues to improve in quality, transparency and efficiency.
Two exceptions to the monitoring system are the Hong Kong Police Force and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, both of which have their own separate bodies for dealing with public complaints.
The 17 major public organisations in the schedule are: the Airport Authority, the Employees Retraining Board, the Equal Opportunities Commission, Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Hong