Outsourcing some aspects of government business is common. Outsourcing does not lessen an agency’s responsibilities – the work of an Australian Government agency must always be performed accountably and efficiently.

Good records management is vital for an agency to work effectively, regardless of whether the business is performed in-house or outsourced.

To ensure that an agency’s accountability and efficiency is not weakened, outsourcing services must meet Australian Government standards.

When outsourcing business the following records-related issues should be considered:

• what are the the risks related to this business
• what records does the agency need to document the business
• has the service provider taken responsibility for creating and maintaining these records
• how is the service being monitored
• have all records created as a part of this service delivery been defined as Commonwealth records

The National Archives provides advice on Records Issues for Outsourcing including General Disposal Authority 25 as well as authorising the transfer of relevant records to service providers when a function has been outsourced.

The National Archives has some general advice on outsourcing a records management function.