Records Retention Policy
To receive this document in an alternative format, please contact the Parish Clerk.
Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council recognises that the efficient management of its records is necessary to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations and to contribute to the effective overall management of the association. This document provides the policy framework through which this effective management can be achieved and audited.
It covers:
• Scope
• Responsibilities
• Retention Schedule
Scope
This policy applies to all records created, received or maintained by Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council in the course of carrying out its functions. Records are defined as all those documents whichfacilitate the business carried out by Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council and which are thereafter retained (for a set period) to provide evidence of its transactions or activities. These records may be created, received or maintained in hard copy or electronically. A small percentage of Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council records may be selected for permanent preservation as part of the Councils archives and for historical research.
Responsibilities
Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council has a corporate responsibility to maintain its records and record management systems in accordance with the regulatory environment. The person with overall responsibility for this policy is the Clerk. The person responsible for records management will give guidance for good records management practice and will promote compliance with this policy so that information will be retrieved easily, appropriately and timely. Individual staff and employees must ensure that records for which they are responsible are accurate, and are maintained and disposed of in accordance with Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council’s records management guidelines.
| Document | Minimum retention period | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes of council meetings | indefinite | Archive |
| Minutes of committe meetings | indefinite | Archive |
| Staff employment contracts | 6 years after ceasing employment | Management |
| Staff payroll information | 3 years | Management |
| Staff references | 6 years after ceasing employment | Management |
| Application forms (successful) | 6 years after ceasing employment | Management |
| Application forms (unsuccessful) | 6 months | Management |
| Disciplinary files | 6 years after ceasing employment | Management |
| Staff appraisals | 6 years after ceasing employment | Management |
| Scales of fee's and charges | 6 years | Management |
| Receipt and payment accounts | indefinite | Archive |
| Bank statements | last completed audit year | Audit |
| Cheque book stubs | last completed audit year | Audit |
| Paid invoices | 6 years | VAT |
| Paid cheques | 6 years | Limitation Act 1980 |
| Payroll records | 3 years | HMRC |
| Petty cash accounts | 6 years | Audit |
| Insurance policies | 6 years after policy end | Management |
| Certificates of insurance | 6 years after policy end | Management |
| Insurance claim records | 6 years after policy end | Management |
| Accident books | 3 years from date of last entry | Statutory |
| Risk assessments | 3 years | Management |
| Councillors contact details | duration of membership | Management |
| Lease agreements | 12 years | Limitation Act 1980 |
| Contracts | 6 years | Limitation Act 1980 |
| Email messages | at end of useful life | Management |
| Consent forms | 5 years | Management |
| GDPR Security Compliance Forms | Duration of membership | Management |