A comprehensive RIM program requires behavioral changes like enforcing a clear desk and clear screen policy to protect physical and visible data. Implementing this simple rule prevents unauthorized viewing of confidential records and cultivates a daily habit of information security. 1.Does your office currently enforce a clear desk policy at the end of the workday? How many unlocked filing cabinets or unattended, unlocked monitors did you notice this week? Action Item: Draft a brief "Clear Desk/Clear Screen" policy reminder for your internal company newsletter.

When a security compromise occurs, the RIM team must know exactly what records were exposed to help notify regulators within statutory deadlines. Integrating your records inventory with the IT incident response playbook ensures the organization can accurately report the severity of the breach. 1. Do you know your specific role in the event of a catastrophic data breach? 2. Are your data maps detailed enough to tell IT exactly what sensitive information lives on a compromised server? Action Item: Review your organization's cyber incident response plan and insert a mandatory step for RIM consultation.

Early Case Assessment relies on rapid data export and review to evaluate the risk and cost of potential litigation before deep discovery begins. Having a well-indexed, easily searchable records environment allows legal teams to make informed settlement decisions instantly. 1. How heavily does your legal team rely on the RIM department when litigation is first threatened? 2. What is your current turnaround time for exporting a specific custodian's emails? Action Item: Ask your legal counsel what their biggest data pain point is during the initial phases of discovery.

An Information Governance Charter officially establishes the mandate, authority, and cross-functional roles needed to govern information as a strategic asset. Having a signed, formal document shifts your initiatives from voluntary suggestions to mandatory corporate rules supported by the C-suite. 1. Does your organization have a formal, signed Information Governance Charter? 2. Who are the key department heads that need to sit on your IG steering committee? Action Item: Draft the table of contents for an Information Governance Charter for your business.

ISO 30301 provides the exact framework needed to implement a Management System for Records, aligning RIM with overarching business objectives. Transitioning to a certified management system structure elevates recordkeeping from a back-office task to a continuous, auditable business function. 1. How familiar is your leadership team with the ISO 30300 series? 2. What is the first gap you would need to close to achieve a formalized Management System for Records? Action Item: Download an overview of ISO 30301 and share its core principles with your IG committee.