Article Loss Prevention

Code of practice for legal admissibility and evidential weight of information stored electronically

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Will the law admit your evidence?

Many AGS Members prepare reports which may have evidential weight. They may be backed by digital photographs or other electronically stored information. What measures need to be taken to ensure that these documents will be legally admissible should the need arise? a new document has been published by BSI in recognition of the large number of implementations of electronic information management systems, and of the continuing uncertainty about the legal acceptability of information stored on these systems. It provides good practice guidance for the electronic creation, storage and retrieval of information and practical advice and examples to assist you in increasing the evidential weight of your electronically stored information.

On a broader front, information is an asset and companies are increasingly committing key records and documents to electronic media. The application of electronic information management systems is changing the way in which many aspects of business and organizational life are operated, and is creating an electronic legacy for their successors.

This publication provides a framework and guidelines that identify key areas of good practice for the implementation and operation of electronic storage systems, whether or not any information held therein is ever required as evidence in event of a dispute. As such, compliance with this Code should be regarded as a demonstration of responsible business management.

Contents

  • Duty of care

  • Procedures and processes

  • Enabling technologies

  • Audit trails

  • Records management

  • Example information management

Ref: BIP 0008: Code of practice for legal admissibility and evidential weight of information stored electronically. Price: £55 

To purchase a hard copy of this publication, please contact BSI Customer Services on +44 (0)20 8996 9001 or email cservices@bsi–global.com.

Note: This document is very highly recommended by Steven Francis, chairman of the AGS Loss Prevention WG