Ensuring you comply with the Freedom of Information Act by responding to FOI requests in a timely and comprehensive manner.
We provide an FOI Service to NHS organisations to ensure they remain compliant with statutory requirements. Our professional team work in close partnership to provide a proactive, customised service.
Our processes ensure we manage FOI requests within the statutory framework. Through ‘online reporting’ we operate an FOI knowledge base and Frequently Asked Questions process, publication scheme library, and disclosure log. We also provide coordination of requests for Access to Health Records.
Our customers are allocated a dedicated FOI Officer with a good understanding of each business. There are workshops and regular service reviews to ensure your service is tailored to your organisational requirements. In the event of staff absence, requests are automatically managed by another member of the FOI service team. We help with the following:
Quality assurance and governance
We assess all FOI requests, identifying them against previous requests, any absolute exemptions, and themes, and progress further in accordance with the FOI Act. An FOI lead works closely with the designated contact and advises if any exemptions apply or are likely to be considered. We will always seek customer authorisation before the information is finally sent to the applicant.
Freedom of Information (FOI) reporting and training
We have an established, web-based FOI database where all actions are recorded, and you can view the progress of requests via a secure login. The system also provides insight into trends and themes arising from similar organisations. Our links with other public sector forums provide a wider context to our service.
We further provide training and support to increase your awareness and understanding of the FOI Act.
For more information on our freedom of information service please contact SCW Head of Governance Services, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
