First and most obviously, smaller agencies have fewer staff than other agencies. Larger agencies, along with having a greater number of staff overall, often have specialist staff who are specifically responsible for activities such as risk management, the administration of Freedom of Information legislation and, significantly in this context, records management. In contrast, in small agencies, a limited number of staff must often perform a variety of roles at once. Smaller agencies are therefore less likely than larger agencies to have staff with records management qualifications, skills and experience. Additionally, in the absence of such specialist staff, small agencies may find it necessary to 'outsource' some or all of their records management activities.
Most smaller agencies have correspondingly small budgets.
This means that they are faced, in many cases, with a greater challenge in obtaining adequate finances for the establishment and maintenance of a records management program. This can affect the purchase of products and equipment to support the program, such as records management software, shelving or stationery. Reporting, compliance requirements For many smaller agencies, the obligation to comply with a wide range of public sector reporting requirements can seem onerous. Small agencies must comply with the same range of different requirements as large agencies, making the amount of work and cost involved in complying often seem out of proportion to the expected benefits. Indeed many smaller agencies could argue that the benefits experienced by larger, more complex organisations in government add greater value to the exercise of ensuring compliance.