Whether you’ve just started out or have been working in information law for years, this article lists UK FOI resources comprehensively, with links to stater packs, government websites, professional organisations and resources to keep you up to date.
Further to the post below, the DCA recently issued the following announcement:
At 10am today, 16th December 2006, the Department for Constitutional Affairs published the consultation document ‘Draft Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2007′.
A help file to assist you with using the free Freedom of Information Act monitoring software available from the ‘FOI Monitor’ link above.
We’ve covered how to ask a Freedom of Information Act question to a public authority, but how should you expect your public authority to reply? Or, for those who are receiving a request, how do you best go about answering it? Openess, transparency and a willingness to be accountable for actions are the bottom line, but let’s go over the specifics.
There was much ado in January 2005 when the Freedom of Information Act came into force, with newspapers publicizing some high profile instances where they had used the Act to obtain information. However, many people are still in the dark as to how exactly to submit a request. “Is there a special form to fill out and where do I get it from?” was one question we received recently. Putting in a freedom of information act request is quite the opposite, however. You don’t even need to quote the act. Let’s explore just what you do need to supply when making a request.