Institutional Memory in the Civil Service

 

A recent article by Susan Allott in the Winter 2025 edition of Civil Service World (p.68-71) adds to the debate on whether the civil service values its institutional memory and the role that the Government Knowledge and Information Profession plays in securing it. The importance of organisational culture and Ministerial expectations, in this context, are also outlined.  Allott provides some examples of where capturing knowledge and effective transfer hasn’t happened, and contrasts this with aspects of good practice. E.g. “There are examples of excellence, such as the FSDO, which has both held on to its physical library and supplemented it with extensive digital resources” (p.70) going on to praise an incredible treasure trove of old Foreign Office documents, as well as research analysts who can provide the historical analysis required. The article also quotes our Chair, Becky Dorsett (MoD) from a 2023 CSW article “if we use KIM professionals in the right way, my God that can help transform things across government”.

 

Has institutional memory gained renewed significance within your organisation, and if so, is the focus appropriate? Have recent high profile public enquiries, and their associated necessary and extensive evidence trawls and disclosures, raised the profile of appropriate records management where you work? Has the appetite changed, at senior and/or grassroots levels, for systematic and effective knowledge identification, capture and dissemination? Is your organisational culture one which encourages learning from the past, or is steadfastly focussed on moving forward, breaking new ground without reference to what has gone before? Does this impact on how your role is perceived within your organisation? We would love to hear about your experiences, either through this blog, or in a webinar / discussion event. 

Do get in touch! Secretary.GIG@cilip.org.uk .