Records Management 1: Essential Concepts & Principles

Course Overview

Organisations face increasing pressure to manage their records according to statutory and business requirements. As the use of electronic records and the deployment of electronic document and records management systems continue to increase, the core skills of the person responsible for records management become ever more important to the organisation. In many cases, appropriate data protection and FOI compliance will depend upon a good records management system.

This invaluable training session, led by Claire Johnson, examines core concepts of good records management practice.

Records Management 1 provides a thorough introduction into the fundamental concepts and principles of records management, including:

  • introduction – basic concepts
  • records management tools
  • records lifecycle approach
  • designing a file plan
  • records destruction
  • legal framework / compliance
  • management of electronic records and email

Delegates who attend the Classroom sessions are encouraged to share their own experiences and ask questions throughout the day.

This course, taken together with Records Management 2 and Records Management 3, provides a thorough understanding of the entirety of the Records Management process.

This course can be used as credit towards gaining the Practitioner Certificate in Records Management.

What past delegates had to say...

Testimonials

“Thanks to Claire and the team for facilitating an absorbing introduction to Records Management, which I found to be engaging and helpful to my role in supporting our internal records management processes.”

Tom Einzig
NHS Blood and Transplant

“A really good overview and intro, excellent presenter and facilitator.”

Glenn Atkins
HMRC

“The detail covered for each topic area was very useful.”

Rajwant Singh
My Dentist

“An excellent foundation for understanding Records Management. A well-paced introduction to the key points when approaching for the first time.”

Gail Thomas
Cardiff University

“The course is an excellent first step into Records Management, and will be an invaluable reference to look back on.”

Jonathan Jarman
Port of Cromarty Firth

“Very good grounding in all things record keeping - from the ground up!”

Robert Haddow
Crestbridge Ltd, Jersey

“Good solid eLearning course that takes you through all the basics of RM”

Christopher Wood
Nursing & Midwifery Council

“Compared to a classroom environment I found working from home a more relaxed experience. The trainer spoke clearly, I was able to take breaks when I felt I needed and learn at my own pace. An email address was supplied for any questions I might have had following the course. Plus no travelling...”

Susan Richmond
DVLA

“This course has given me a thorough understanding of Records Management Standards and Principles in an easy format that I could follow and relate to my organisation and role!”

Yvonne Tolladay
Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust

“Excellent eLearning course, which provides a great baseline understanding of Records Management and how to implement a successful Records Management Programme.”

Tom Hamilton
West Lindsey District Council

“I enjoyed the eLearning course tremendously, can’t wait to start number 2!!!”

Heidi Robinson
NHS England

“I thought the eLearning course was an excellent introduction into records management. Really good use of presentations i.e. use of video and documented information.”

Neil Hetherington
LLWR Ltd

“Great trainer! Very knowledgeable, and has a great way of keeping everyone engaged.”

Susan Dunlop
Financial Conduct Authority

“Very helpful and thought provoking. Good to know that the problems I’m encountering are well-recognised. I’m not alone!”

Carol McDivitt
Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service

“I found the course very useful. Now to implement what I have learned at work.”

Rhona Scott
Perth & Kinross Council

“Very engaging trainer with a broad knowledge and extensive experience”

Dan Palmer-Dunk
University of Hull

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. The principles were very clearly explained and led me to think about how easy this is to implement but how few organisations (in my experience) do this. A lot is common sense and once in place, could make a significant positive difference. A great course for all senior managers to understake"

Tamsin Mitchell
Chartered Institute of Fundraising

Upcoming Training Dates

London (Classroom) - Wednesday 7th October, 2026
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Wednesday 4th November, 2026
Edinburgh (Classroom) - Wednesday 2nd December, 2026
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Monday 1st March, 2027
London (Classroom) - Tuesday 11th May, 2027
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Wednesday 30th June, 2027
London (Classroom) - Wednesday 6th October, 2027
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Wednesday 3rd November, 2027
Edinburgh (Classroom) - Tuesday 30th November, 2027
eLearning -
London (Classroom)
|
Wednesday 7th October 2026
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Wednesday 4th November 2026
Available
Edinburgh (Classroom)
|
Wednesday 2nd December 2026
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Monday 1st March 2027
Available
London (Classroom)
|
Tuesday 11th May 2027
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Wednesday 30th June 2027
Available
London (Classroom)
|
Wednesday 6th October 2027
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Wednesday 3rd November 2027
Available
Edinburgh (Classroom)
|
Tuesday 30th November 2027
Available
eLearning
|
On Demand
Available

Course Trainer

Claire Johnson

Records Management Consultant

Records Management 1: Essential Concepts & Principles
Records Management 2: Designing & Implementing a Programme
Records Management 3: Operating & Sustaining the Programme
  • Training Courses take place from 10am – 4pm
  • High-quality central city venues (5 star hotels or dedicated training centres)
  • Includes a full sit-down lunch, refreshments and opportunities to network throughout the day
  • Includes comprehensive hardcopy course materials
  • Training Courses take place from 10am – 4pm
  • Facilitated via Microsoft Teams
  • Includes interaction & group activities using breakout rooms, polls & quizzes (plus dedicated Q&As)
  • Comprehensive, professionally printed hardcopy materials are posted to delegates in advance of each virtual session
  • Facilitated via PDP’s dedicated online platform
  • eLearning is fully on-demand, allowing delegates to learn at their own pace from home or the office
  • Structured around video presentations, comprehensive written materials and self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter

Discounts available

*Multiple delegate discounts available when delegates book at the same time

Classroom/Virtual-LIVE
10% discount for second and subsequent delegates

eLearning (applicable courses)
15% discount for second and subsequent delegates