Happy Easter and we hope you are all looking forward to a bit of break. Whether you are eating chocolate eggs or getting out and about, don’t forget to read your IRMS news and catch up on the latest professional activities.
Archiving in the Public Interest Generally Recognised Standards Published
In May 2025, following the introduction of the Data (Use and Access) Bill into the UK Parliament, the Archives and Records Association UK & Ireland (ARA) noted the requirement to agree “generally recognised standards” relating to the data protection purpose “archiving purposes in the public interest”.
Working with other sector bodies, ARA commissioned a specialist consultant to draft the generally recognised standards with the support of data protection specialists from the archive and records management community, including the IRMS. This work was supported by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The standards have now been published and are available here together with a list of partners and background information: https://www.archives.org.uk/generally-recognised-standards
Conference Update
With just over six weeks left until the conference, we’re getting excited!
If you are attending, have you seen there is a pre-event call for attendees?
There is just about time to book a last-minute place at the conference. The main resort hotel fully booked but there are a few spaces left at the nearby hotel.
We are also offering day places for Monday and Tuesday of the conference.
For all information see: IRMS Conference 17th – 19th May 2026 – The Celtic Collection
Not going to the conference? We realise that not everyone can attend for various reasons and we are always looking for ways to make the conference more accessible and inclusive. At the same time, we want to ensure it is a fantastic in-person event where the community can come together. Look out for the conference news and plans for 2027. We are always keen to hear your views and ideas.
If you can’t get to the conference, remember there are many events and activities going on throughout the year so keep an eye out for one near you.
Schools Toolkit Update - Records of Restrictive Interventions
From 1 April 2026, schools in England are subject to new statutory duties to record and report incidents involving the use of restrictive interventions, including force, restraint and seclusion. To support members in responding to these changes, the IRMS Schools Toolkit has been updated with new guidance on managing the records these duties create.
The new Records of Restrictive Interventions guidance focuses on the records management and retention implications of the updated legal framework. A key message is the dual nature of these records. An incident record forms part of the pupil’s educational or safeguarding record, but it is also a school-level governance record.
In practice, this means that schools should ensure records are held both within the individual pupil file and within a central incident log. This enables not only appropriate safeguarding and continuity of information when a pupil moves school, but also effective oversight at an organisational level, including the ability to identify patterns, trends and potential disproportionality.
The guidance also covers expectations around secure storage, transfer of records between schools, and risk-based retention decisions.
Members can access the new guidance within the Schools Toolkit, via this link IRMS Schools Toolkit – IRMS
Castlebridge and IRMS Form Strategic Collaboration to Advance Professional Standards in Data and Content Management
We are delighted to be working with Castlebridge on a new collaboration to strengthen professional standards in the essential disciplines of data governance, records management, and content management.
This new partnership will see Castlebridge and IRMS work together to promote key events, co-develop training, and collaborate on initiatives that support practitioners navigating a rapidly changing information landscape. As a leading consulting services provider, Castlebridge works with organisations to build strong information foundations that support better decision-making.
“Collaboration with industry bodies like IRMS is essential to raising the bar for how organisations manage data and content. Our consulting work gives us a front-line view of the challenges organisations face, and this partnership allows us to contribute that insight to the wider professional community.” — Daragh O Brien, CEO of Castlebridge
“IRMS has long championed the importance of strong document and information management. Working together, we can help practitioners build the core competencies needed to manage data, regardless of how and where it is recorded and stored, responsibly and confidently.” — Daragh O Brien, CEO of Castlebridge
