Constitution and Administration | 23
written Chinese and English and conversant in Cantonese, Putonghua and spoken English. While major documents of public interest issued by the Government are available in both languages, correspondence with individual members of the public is always in the language appropriate to the recipient.
The Official Languages Division of the Civil Service Bureau monitors the implementation of the Government's language policy in the civil service. It offers a wide range of language support services to government bureaux and departments. Besides providing translation, interpretation, drafting and editing services, the division also facilitates the effective use of official languages in the civil service by providing language research and advisory support. This includes the provision of telephone hotlines for answering questions on language use; compilation of writing aids and reference materials, such as guidebooks on official Chinese writing and glossaries of terms commonly used in government departments; and the organising of language- related activities such as thematic talks and competitions. Furthermore, a quarterly publication on language and culture, entitled Word Power is distributed to all departments. Some of the publications and reference materials produced by the division are available on the Civil Service Bureau website, www.csb.gov.hk.
Government Records Service
The Government Records Service (GRS) manages government records and provides a range of records and archival management services.
GRS develops and oversees the implementation of records management policies. and systems. It gives guidance and provides training to government departments on best practice in records management. It operates two records centres for storage of inactive government records and an ISO 9001:2000 certified microfilm centre providing microfilming services for government departments.
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 printed materials for research and study of Hong Kong. Members of the public can visit the purpose-built archival facilities in the Hong Kong Public Records Building located in 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 to redress grievances arising from maladministration in the public sector through independent and impartial investigations to improve the standard of public administration.