DSS is working with Archives NZ to address care recordkeeping issues identified by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
On this page
Archives NZ is designing overarching guidance for the public sector, and developing national standards and guidance on best practice record keeping based on the Care Records Framework external.
The project
For the first half of 2026, DSS will be working alongside Archives NZ to develop best practice guidance and resources to help disability support providers to better understand and meet their record keeping obligations.
Providers have told us that they want guidance as soon as possible and that it should:
- include guidelines about care records management obligations
- include practical and concrete examples of what good records look like
- be built alongside and tested with providers from the start.
The Provider Reference Group
DSS has worked with NZDSN to establish a Provider Reference Group. This will provide support in building and testing the guidance, and ensure it is fit for purpose.
The Group will meet for online workshops in March and April 2026, facilitated by the DSS Quality Improvement team.
Provider representatives on the Group will provide direction and feedback to help make the guidance as effective as possible.
Immediate record keeping support
If you need any immediate record keeping support, Archives NZ can answer your questions and provide advice through rkadvice@dia.govt.nz.