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Constitution and Administration
Official Languages
Chinese and English are Hong Kong's official languages. It is government policy to have a civil service that is proficient in written Chinese and English, and competent in Cantonese, Putonghua and spoken English. Important government documents are issued in both official languages, while correspondence with individual members of the public is conducted in either language appropriate to the recipient.
The Civil Service Bureau's Official Languages Division helps implement the government's language policy, and provides bureaus and departments with a wide range of language-related support. Besides translation, interpretation, drafting and editing services, the division operates language advice hotlines, compiles reference materials such as guides to official writing and glossaries, and organises language-related talks and competitions. It also produces Word Power, a quarterly publication on language and culture, for service-wide distribution.
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. With regard to records management, the GRS formulates policies, guidelines and procedures; develops systems and oversees their implementation; and sets standards, gives guidance and provides training to bureaus and departments on good practices. It operates two records centres for the intermediate storage of inactive government records and a microfilm centre providing microfilming services for bureaus and departments.
To drive electronic records management in the government, the GRS sets standards and functional requirements for the implementation of electronic record-keeping systems in the government and has been providing support to bureaus and departments in developing or adopting such systems.
The GRS appraises, acquires, preserves and provides access to government records of enduring value. Through its public programme, reference service and online educational resources, the 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 the research and study of Hong Kong. Members of the public can visit the Hong Kong Public Records Building in Kwun Tong or use the GRS website to search the archives and browse the online exhibitions and educational resources portal, among other services.
The Ombudsman
The Ombudsman, established under The Ombudsman Ordinance, is the city's independent watchdog of public administration. She 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.
The Ombudsman serves as the community's monitor on government departments and 26
major public bodies specified in a schedule to the ordinance to ensure:
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