Glossary

Unauthorised disposal

Deleting, altering, or transferring control of records without the right authorisation. It can create legal, operational, and reputational risk and may be an offence under the Act. If unsure, don't dispose; ask.

In practice

Unauthorised disposal is deleting, altering, or transferring control of records without the right authorisation. It can create legal, operational, and reputational risk for individuals and the organisation, and may be an offence under the Act. The rule of thumb: if you are unsure, don't dispose; ask.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I'm unsure whether I can delete something?

Don't delete it; ask your IM/RM team. Disposing of public records without authority is unauthorised disposal and can carry legal and reputational consequences.

See it in the register

Unauthorised disposal, 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.