What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The FOI Act gives everyone the right to access recorded information held by public organizations. This law requires public authorities to:
Maintain a publication scheme (routine information available to all)
Provide access to requested information
What information is available?
Organizational records like reports, policies and strategies
Applies to public bodies in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and UK-wide organizations in Scotland
Does NOT include personal data (protected under Data Protection Act)
Who must comply?
All public sector organizations including:Government departments
Local councils
NHS services
State schools
Police services
Our Surgery's Publication Scheme
We routinely make available information about:Who we are and what we do
Our finances and spending
Our priorities and performance
How we make decisions
Our policies and procedures
Our registers and lists
Services we provide
How to Request Information
Anyone in the world can request information by:Submitting a written request (email or letter acceptable)
Including your name and contact address
Clearly describing the information needed
We will:
Confirm if we hold the information
Provide it within legal timeframes
Treat all requests equally, regardless of who makes them
Governance
The Information Commissioner oversees both:Freedom of Information Act
Data Protection Act
For our full publication scheme leaflet, please ask at reception.
Personal data about staff and patients covered under Data Protection Act.
For more information see these websites:
Legislation GOV.UK
Information Commissioners Office