About Us

What is NAIM

NAIM is an organisation that information management practitioners will find invaluable. It will provide guidance for both the public and private sectors on Information Governance issues such as;

• The Data Protection Act 1998
• The Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004
• Records Management guidance
• Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005
• Knowledge Management
• The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Caldicott
• The NHS's Information Governance Toolkit
• Topical issues such as Information Sharing and IRT
• E-Gif and EGMS
• Training

NAIM will work closely with National Regulators and Government offices to ensure that regulations and legislation is appropriate and reflects best practice in this sector proactively bridging the gap by providing a voice for all Information Practitioners.

The Association will take issues to the highest authority to lobby for change to legislation. This issue has become more prominent with the interests of all those implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems wishing (but unable) to use Council Tax. We will actively seek views from all members on issues they wish to be heard at National level whilst at the same time being able to provide a voice and push for change.

NAIM will promote good information handling in the Public, Commercial and Voluntary sectors, assisting in compliance with information related legislation. We will offer significant benefits to members in the area of training, recruitment, guidance and documentation on information issues by affiliating organisations and companies into the NAIM arena.

Why was NAIM created

The realisation that has inspired the creation of many Regional Data Protection/Information Governance groups is that organisations very often share a common purpose and goals with regard to Data Protection. It is also apparent, especially in the public sector, that each authority and organisation often receives identical requests from local groups and organisations, or sometimes they even share the same customer whether it be an individual organisation or a regional partnership.

It therefore, makes perfect sense to join forces and create Regional Groups, share best practice, ensure a consistent approach to Information Governance across regions, build upon success and tap into the treasure house of knowledge that exists in each organisation. Regional Groups already involved include:-

• Leicestershire Information Management Group
• Midlands Information Management Group
• Nottinghamshire Information Management Group
• with others to follow as approvals to link are received

In recognition of the importance of regional and other similar groups NAIM has been created to provide a portal to enable sharing of information and the dissemination of best practice on a National Scale.

How will NAIM work

The initial committee is made up of 8 like minded individuals who have realised the need for such a forward thinking and proactive organisation.

Organisations including the National Archives, the Information Commissioner's office and the Department of Constitutional Affairs have all expressed an interest in the objectives of NAIM and look forward to working with NAIM.

One of the most efficient ways of communicating and distributing knowledge is by using ICT, therefore, one of the most important priorities will be to develop a website to act as a portal for this. It will offer everything Information Professionals would expect such as a library of articles, guidance and news. Advertising training, conferences, events, a bulletin board and much more.

NAIM will deliver examples of approved best practice and make these available to its membership, including Records Management Policies, Information Management Strategies, Data Protection and Freedom of Information guidance. NAIM will address the practical implications of regulation not merely its interpretation, thus risk assessment guidance will form a standard element of information governance advice.