ENG-2009 — Page 67

Constitution and Administration 23

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 develops and oversees the implementation of records management policies and systems. It gives guidance and provides training to government 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 government departments.

With the growing need for proper management of electronic records, GRS has studied the feasibility of managing multi-media records through electronic record- keeping systems. Based on the findings of the study, GRS will undertake work to address issues relating to further development of electronic record-keeping system.

GRS appraises, acquires, preserves and provides access to records of enduring value from public and private sources. Through its public programme and reference service, it 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 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.

Since December 2001, the office had severed its links with the Administration and had become a corporation sole. It has set up its own administrative system and now recruits 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;

• facts are pointed out when public officers are unjustly accused;

• human rights are protected; and