The Need for Keeping Records

509 Words3 Pages
The purpose of keeping records is manifold, and there are both external (often legal) and internal (usually operational), reasons for so doing. Starting with the external, one of the key reasons for rigorous record-keeping is to ensure compliance with the law. For example, we are required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the safety of our learners and so we keep a register of all course attendees. Likewise, we are bound by the Data Protection Act 1998, which governs what information can be collected, and how it should be kept and used. The Act outlines the strict rules or ‘data protection principles’ by which all organisations that hold personal information must abide. It also states that records must be kept secure, confidential, accurate and up to date. In addition, records are vital because if they are inaccurate, illegible or do not exist at all, any negligence claim that might arise, whether true or not, is almost impossible to defend. The mantra we follow is ‘if it is not written down, it didn’t happen’. It is also required in law that a business keeps any tax and PAYE records for specified periods of time. In addition, there may be requirements from the regulatory body regarding record-keeping. In the care sector, for example, in order to qualify for Workforce Development Funds – a vital financial resource – it is mandatory to keep National Minimum Data Sets records, and the CQC also insists on seeing paperwork to back up every area of our work. From an internal perspective, recording who is going to attend the course allows the teacher to plan the classroom management effectively, ensuring an appropriate environment and correct number of resources. Records will help to show what the students have learned from the course, that the learning objectives have been achieved, and highlight those who may need further support. Assessment
Open Document