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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. GRS formulates records management policies, guidelines and procedures, develops records management systems and oversees their implementation. It sets records management standards, gives guidance and provides training to bureaus and departments on records management good practices. It operates two records centres for storage of inactive government records and a microfilm centre providing microfilming services for bureaus and departments.
GRS has successfully implemented an electronic record-keeping system to drive electronic records management in the government. GRS also provides records management support and assistance to bureaus and departments to develop or adopt an electronic record-keeping
system.
GRS appraises, acquires, preserves and provides access to government records of enduring value. Through its public programme, reference service and online educational resources, GRS encourages understanding, 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 Hong Kong Public Records Building in Kwun Tong or use its online service to search archival records or browse the online exhibitions and highlights of holdings, etc.
The Ombudsman
The Ombudsman (established under The Ombudsman Ordinance) is the city's independent watchdog of public administration. The Ombudsman investigates actions by government departments and public bodies for administrative deficiencies and recommends remedial measures to improve the standard of public administration of Hong Kong.
Directly responsible to the Chief Executive, the Ombudsman serves as the community's monitor on government departments and 24 major public bodies specified in a schedule to the ordinance to ensure:
• 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 its quality, transparency and efficiency.
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