Appendix II Retention schedule: Communication

This appendix sets out the retention period for different types of communications records relating to health and care.

This appendix sets out the retention period for different types of communications records relating to health and care. Where indicated, Appendix III should also be referred to. This sets out further detail relating to the management of specific types and formats of records.

Intranet site

Record type	Intranet site*
Category	Communications
Retention period	6 years
Disposal action	Review and consider transfer to PoD

Patient information leaflets

Record type	Patient information leaflets
Category	Communication
Retention period	6 years
Disposal action	Review and consider transfer to PoD
Notes	These do not need to be leaflets from every part of the organisation. A central copy can be kept for potential transfer.

Press releases and important internal communication

Record type	Press releases and important internal communication
Category	Communication
Retention period	6 years
Disposal action	Review and consider transfer to PoD
Notes	Press releases may form part of a significant part of the public record of an organisation which may need to be retained

Public consultations

Record type	Public consultations
Category	Communications
Retention period	5 years
Disposal action	Review and consider transfer to PoD
Notes	Whilst these have a shorter retention period, there may be wider public interest in the outcome of the consultation, particularly where this resulted in changes to the services provided, and so may have historical value.

Website

Record type	Website*
Category	Communications
Retention period	6 years
Disposal action	Review and consider transfer to PoD
Notes	The PoD may be able to receive these by a regular crawl. Consult with the PoD on how to manage the process. Websites are complex objects, but crawls can be made more effective if certain steps are taken

Last edited: 7 May 2026 5:16 pm