The importance of information systems for clinical management, audit and resource management has been widely recognised by both the professions and management alike. While major advances in information technology have taken place in the acute hospital sector, a relative void exists within community services. Nevertheless over the last few years a number of developments have taken place which hold considerable promise for the information needs of community mental health services. In response to this void the Research Committee of the College has established a Working Group whose remit is to advise the College, and through it the Department, on the information needs of psychiatrists and the requirements of information systems that should support those needs.