During Records and Information Management Month, it’s a great time to celebrate our successes. Last year, King County received a report from an independent consultant that evaluated how well King County’s records and information management practices align with best practices and standards. That consultant, FreeDoc, evaluated King County’s practices based on 25+ different industry standards, maturity models, guidelines, and technical reports related to records management. They also compared our practices to the 15 largest self-governing counties in the United States.

Overall, the feedback provided by the consultant was very positive. Their report outlined all 33 categories that they reviewed, and a thorough analysis of each category; including positive feedback, general observations, and recommendations for improvement. In general, they indicated that King County practices align “notably well” with industry best practice and compliance. When compared with the top 15 largest counties in the nation, they concluded that King County’s practices were some of the very best it has ever seen and conclude that our records management practices are “leading edge and the best among large counties across the nation.”

The consultant did also offer some suggestions for improvement, and the County Records and Information Management Program has been involved in efforts to implement many of those recommendations. Most of those recommendations are minor in nature, and the most significant recommendations suggest the need for greater accountability (including for agency leadership).

Overall, this is good news for King County. Each of you should be proud of the efforts you have made to contribute to our status as a nation-wide leader in records management. Although there is a lot of work to do, the County Records and Information Management Program (CRIMP) is looking forward to continuing to lead the way with each of you. Thank you!

For more information, visit the County Records and Information Management Program’s website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The County Records and Information Management Program (CRIMP), in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to state and local legal requirements and best practices.