If you still consider records management as unnecessary or a low priority administrative task, think again.

Court cases in recent years have illustrated that records may be more valuable than human witnesses in establishing fact or fiction.

More significant than the quest for truth is the potential effect on the bottom line of the absence of a good records management system. Ask the executives at Morgan Stanley, and you will know that the loss of all your pre-9/11 email could cost a few million dollars.

The multinational had to pay out $12.5m to FINRA, its former affiliate, for failing to provide claimants and regulators with emails. Claimants who were unable to demonstrate the firm’s misconduct in the absence of email proof were all awarded a token of money in the settlement.

One of three training workshops on the schedule of the Third Annual Knowledge, Archives and Records Management Conference (KARM 2009) will address Records Management in the South African Legislative Framework.

The conference takes place from 26-28 May 2009 at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. The workshop will be presented during the last two days, i.e. 27-28 May 2009.

About the presenter
Ms Amanda van der Merwe is a seasoned records manager. In 2008, she was appointed by the Department of Education to offer a records management workshop to staff up to Director Level.

Ms van der Merwe will share her skill and expertise while at the same time offering exercises based on Unit Standard 242866.

Who should attend?
Managers, records managers or any other person who wants to learn about records management.

Aim:
To identify, operate and maintain a records management system.

Workshop contents:
• Purpose of a records management (RM) system in the context of a tertiary education institution
• RM legislative and procedural requirements
• Operation of a records storage and retrieval system
• Identification of records
• Records classification systems
• Appraisal and disposal of records
• Introduction to electronic records

Outcome:
At the end of the workshop, the learner will be equipped to establish a RM system within the South African legislative framework.

The workshop is based on Unit Standard 242866 - NQF Level 3 - Six credits. To obtain all credits and at an additional cost, delegates have the option to complete a further eight assignments over a six-month period via distance education.

Delegates who only attend the two days will receive a certificate of attendance. All arrangements for further study, including payment, can be made directly with the trainer after the workshop.

Conference Information:
Third Annual Knowledge, Archives and Records Management Conference (KARM 2009)
The Birchwood Hotel - Johannesburg
26-28 May 2009
Theme: Building Strategy

Registration includes conference attendance, a two-day training workshop, transport to Lesedi Cultural Village, Lesedi Boma Tour and a Pan African Dinner. The fee excludes accommodation. Special accommodation packages are available.

For more information or to download the registration form and programme please visit: Poussière d’étoiles, email Elaine or call her on 079 617 6708.