A solid records retention program is not an event, it is not "set-up." It is a process. You can't know its solid until its been tested at least one cycle. That is, suppose after establishing a retention schedule, the shortest period is 4 years with destruction at this time. Until the program has been in place the requisite 4 years and the record actually destroyed and the paper work completed and filed you can't know the program works. A records management program has no end.


While the policy itself is not fluid (this does not mean unchangeable) in the sense that it is written to address content and not media, the record retention schedules will change, i.e., with changes in law

Writing a policy is not necessarily the most difficult part, the real difficulty can be getting buy-in and compliance. 

You can get tangled up in the details, "What is a record" and end up just spinning your wheels. Don't get side-tracked by discussion about electronic or email records. A record is a record based on content. As Larry points out more specific info is need for a more detailed answer. Much is contingent on the type of business/industry. The more regulated, the more work. As a law firm we must properly manage our business records and our clients' records. Off the top of my head, I'd say 3-5 years, but it is an ongoing process because once the policy and schedules are in place, then you actually have to manage the records! This never ends.

Richard

Morris James LLP

Richard B. Loringer

Records Manager
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-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Siddens, Trisha L
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 12:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Records Retention Programs ~

Hello all ~

 

I am just inquiring here ...

 

But how long would a good, solid records retention program take to set up - from beginning to end.

 

Should it be fluid and ever changing or set in stone never to be changed again?

 

Will this take time with various changes and evolutions? Or can it be done next week? 

 

Can I do this alone?
 
As always, thank you in advance for your help. Records People Rock!
 
peace...trisha

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