What are Draft records?

Draft records are defined as documents or files that are in the process of being created and have not been finalized or officially released. These records can still be modified, which means they are subject to change. This characteristic is crucial, as it allows for ongoing editing and review before the final version is produced and signed.

In contrast, archived records are final, formalized documents that have been preserved for long-term retention, signifying that they have completed their lifecycle in active use. Likewise, records that cannot be altered indicate that they are in a finalized state and have been officially released, while records that should be destroyed are those that no longer serve a purpose or are past their retention requirement. Understanding that draft records are works in progress helps clarify how they function within the broader context of records management.