Sarah, 

It would depend on the type of care being provided and what
records/information are being produced.

The Care Homes Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3965) is a good place to start.
S17, Sch 3 + 4 outline what records need to be kept for care homes and
the retention is stated as not less than 3 years from the date of the
last entry. 

There is also the Domiciliary Care Agencies Regulations 2002 (SI
2002/3214) s19 + sch 4 which has the same provisions as above. 

We provide both these services and after a review of our own individual
records management requirements decided that 3 years was not long enough
and agreed upon a 10 year retention period for these after contact has
ceased. 

You need to review your own requirements, 6 years is banded about for
limitation reasons, which may be adequate for your council.  You may
also achieve more responses posting to the Records Management List. 

Toby  



Toby Davison | Records, Archives and Information Manager | Together
Trust | Schools Hill | Cheadle | SK8 1JE | Tel: 0161 283 4848 |  E-Mail:
[log in to unmask] | www.togethertrust.org.uk   

-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Priestley Sarah
Sent: 05 February 2008 09:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Retention of Adult Social Care Files

Hello all, 

I've been asked to decide whether there is a case for destroying adult
social care files 6 years after the last contact was made. I can't help
but think that there is some statutory guidance for this but I can't
find it. The RMS-GB say that its common practice to archive these
permanently but doesn't mention statute. 

Can anyone point me to the correct statutory guidance if there is some?!


Thanks
Sarah

Sarah Priestley
Information Governance Officer
Audit, Scrutiny and Information Governance

RES1405
Room 307
Cambridgeshire County Council
Shire Hall
Castle Hill
Cambridge
CB3 0AP

Tel: 01223 699137


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