Glossary

Administrative head

Defined in the Public Records Act 2005 as the person ultimately accountable for how a public office or local authority meets its recordkeeping obligations, for example a chief executive.

In practice

In practice the administrative head delegates day-to-day information and records work to an IM/RM team, but the accountability cannot be delegated away. The mandatory standard expects this to be backed by senior leadership oversight, an Executive Sponsor, and adequate resourcing.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the administrative head?

It is defined by the Public Records Act and varies by organisation type, typically the chief executive of a public office or local authority. They hold ultimate accountability for the organisation's recordkeeping.

See it in the register

Administrative head, in one connected register.

IAR turns terms like this into working practice: assets classified against your disposal authority, stewarded by position, and ready to evidence.