8. Document retention

Checklist

• Maintain a clear document trail.
• Retain core documents after the completion of the project.

Staff turnover is very rapid in an emergency. The staff involved in drafting the project proposal may not be the same staff involved in implementing or reporting on the project. It is very important for later accountability that a clear document trail is maintained throughout the project cycle and that the core document files are retained well after the project has been completed. Maintain hardcopy and softcopy files of all core project documentation listed in section 6.1 until well after project completion, in accordance with CO filing and archival procedures (see also the chapter on Administration).