Information Management

The what... ‘Information management is the process of collecting, organising, storing, and providing information within a company or organisation.’ - Cambridge Dictionary. This includes but not limited to: Formal and informal documents Images, photos, and drawings Digital, and physical content, Facts, data, and numbers Verbal, written, and email communication   The why... Organisations invest in the storage, protection, and accessibility of information via information management systems like SharePoint, Viewpoint, OneDrive etc... This is because the benefits that come with having a strong information management culture can be seen not just in the financials but in the governance and oversight of the work taking place across the business at all levels. Some of these benefits could be: It’s easier for colleagues to locate and access information at a touch of a button There is a standard way of working, allowing for better collaboration and co- operation Increases efficiencies and effectiveness of the workplace Allows for better controls to be put in place, which in turns highlights gaps in processes, and tracks data against common pinch points and errors. Correctly stored information can be easily accessed, retained, and used in the protection against lawsuits.   The how... GMI manages its information using SharePoint, OneDrive, Viewpoint and Email Management processes. These systems along with their processes are defined by a GMI Operating Framework which all employees within GMI are responsible and accountable for adhering to. If you are unsure on how to access and use any of these systems you should raise this to your line manager, refer to the ‘How to Guides’ and / or attend and complete the relevant training workshops.   The Super Users... The Information Management Team have been identified as the Super Users for procedures and processes relating to the storage and access of information linked to GMI Projects and Departments. If you have any questions or concerns linked to information management, please raise it to your Line Manager and / or Super User in the first instance.   You can also find a number of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) linked to information management at GMI in the GMI Operating Framework.

Following the Grenfell tower tragedy, the government appointed Dame Judith Hackitt to lead an independent review of building regulations and fire safety. In her report, building a safer future, she recommended the introduction of a ‘golden thread’ as a tool to manage buildings as holistic systems and allow people to use information to safely and effectively design, construct and operate their buildings.   She stated that ‘a robust golden thread of key information’ should be ‘passed across to future building owners to underpin more effective safety management throughout the building life cycle’. She set out that these recommendations were to address the problems within the industry of key information not being effectively managed, or even available throughout the life cycle of the building, including when there is a change in ownership. She was clear that because of these issues, the relevant people do not have the information they require to ensure their buildings’ safety.   The government committed to implementing Dame Judith Hackitt’s golden thread recommendations, recognising that this would be an integral component of the wider building safety programme. The government set out that the golden thread will apply to all buildings within scope of the new more stringent building safety regime, being introduced through the Building Safety Bill.   For more information, please check out these links: Building Regulations Advisory Committee: Golden Thread Report - GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-regulations-advisory- committee-golden-thread-report   What is the Golden Thread? (NBS) https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-is-the-golden-thread   How the golden thread of information will impact our clients - Buro Happold https://www.burohappold.com/articles/how-the-golden-thread-of- information-will-impact-our-clients/   The Golden Thread: Keeping our building and infrastructure assets safe - BIM https://www.bimplus.co.uk/golden-thread-keeping-our-building-and- infrastruct/