30 Constitution and Administration
Government Records Service
The Government Records Service (GRS) oversees the overall management of government records and provides a range of records and archival management
services.
The GRS formulates records management policies, guidelines and procedures, develops records management systems and oversees their implementation. It gives guidance and provides training to bureaux and departments on best practices in records management. It operates two records centres for storage of inactive government records and an ISO 9001:2008 certified microfilm centre providing microfilming services for bureaux and departments.
With the growing need for proper management of government electronic records, the GRS will develop further an electronic recordkeeping system, following the completion of a feasibility study, for managing multi-media records. It provides records management support and assistance to bureaux and departments to develop or adopt an electronic recordkeeping system to drive electronic records management in the Government.
The GRS appraises, acquires, preserves and provides access to government records of enduring value. Through its public programme and reference service, it encourages understanding, use
use and protection of Hong Kong's documentary heritage. Its Central Preservation Library for Government Publications contains a wealth of government publications 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 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
public sector through independent and impartial investigations to improve the standard of public administration.
In December 2001, the office severed its links with the Administration and has since become a corporation sole. It has set up its own administrative system and now employs contract staff on terms and conditions determined by The Ombudsman.
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;