Intermediate level · Module 2: Records Management and Confidentiality · Lesson 1 of 3
The Records Life Cycle and Classification
Understand how records are created, used, stored and disposed of.
In this lesson you will
- Describe the records life cycle
- Classify records by function and sensitivity
Key concepts
records life cycleactive and inactive recordsclassificationsensitivity levels
The lesson
Records pass through creation, active use, inactive storage and finally disposal or permanent archiving.
Classify records by function (finance, HR, programmes) and by sensitivity — public, internal, confidential — so the right controls apply.
Inactive records move to archive storage, clearly labelled with contents and dates.
Step by step
- List the office's main record types.
- Assign function and sensitivity.
- Identify active and inactive records.
- Label an archive box or folder.
Practice activity
Draft the records classification for the office.
Expected result: A classification of record types by function and sensitivity.
Check your understanding
-
Name the stages of the records life cycle.
Show answer
Creation, active use, inactive storage, and disposal or archiving.
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Give three sensitivity levels.
Show answer
Public, internal and confidential.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.