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Constitution and Administration

To drive electronic records management in the government, the GRS sets the standards and functional requirements of electronic record-keeping systems in the government and provides support and advice 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's jurisdiction covers all government departments and 26 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 quality and efficiency.

The Ombudsman is also empowered to investigate complaints of non-compliance with the Code on Access to Information against all government departments, including those that are not listed in this schedule, such as the Hong Kong Police Force and the ICAC.

Besides investigating complaints, the Ombudsman may initiate direct investigations into matters of public interest and widespread concern, and publish her reports to redress administrative flaws of a systemic nature and address fundamental problems or the underlying causes of complaints. The reports of all direct investigations are available on the website of the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman completed 12 direct investigations in 2018-19, which concerned:

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