Methodology

Administrative Methodology

How historical material, FOI decisions and Trustee-authored records are separated, reconciled and published.

Record architecture

Three related documentary streams

The repository distinguishes the origin and function of material so the public record can be read without confusing historical inquiries with later Trustee governance.

I

Historical Administrative Record

Pre-Trustee material, including Beneficiary FOIs, agency correspondence, complaint references and source documents forming the historical evidence base.

II

Trustee Administrative Record

Material authored, adopted, reconciled or crystallised by the Trustee, including the Statement, Supporting Record, Annexes and verification schedule.

III

Public Repository

The public-facing index, chronology and publication register, maintained to show what has been published and how it relates to the underlying record.

Methodological safeguards

  • Source documents and Trustee observations are separated.
  • FOI decisions are treated as provenance records, not as automatic publication authority for every released document.
  • Earlier executed versions remain part of the record.
  • Supplementary versions add to the record rather than replacing it, unless expressly stated.
  • Website entries avoid determining compliance, breach, liability or legal rights.

Crystallisation

The Trustee's present administrative and evidentiary record is treated as crystallised as at 29 June 2026 for the purpose of the current supplementary public-interest package. Later material may be added as supplementary record material where appropriate.

Current status: the updated Ombudsman package is prepared for issue but is not described on this site as issued until that occurs.
From source to record

Documentary pathway

Step 1

Historical acquisition

Material is acquired through Beneficiary correspondence, FOI requests, pollution reports, public documents and agency responses.

Step 2

Trustee reconciliation

The Trustee records document custody, chronology, version history and cross-agency reliance positions.

Step 3

Execution and document control

Statements, Supporting Records and Annexes are executed or finalised with version control and status notes.

Step 4

Public repository publication

Published pages index the executed record and provide access to public documents, FOI decisions and administrative updates where appropriate.