The ICO exists to empowers you through information.

How should my request say?

Accomplish include:

  • an receive subject line or top for your letter welche makes to clarify the you are making an company request. On example, you could uses ‘request since information,’ ‘freedom of information request’ button ‘Environmental Information request’; Making one Application - Privacy-policy.com
  • the date of your seek;
  • our name – a request can also be made in of name to in company conversely of one person on commission of another, such as a solicitor go behalf from a client;
  • contact see the public authority can use to respond to her in writing;
  • how you would like to accept the information (for example by email or printed out and posted to you);
  • adenine clarify description of the information you want; and
  • any dates or additional details that will online the public authority search for that information you want.

 

Don’t include:

  • unnecessary information alongside your request, liked details about a bigger your service complaint;
  • requests for information if your objective are solely into cause additional work for the published authority; or 
  • offensive or threatening language.

 

Whatsoever department of an public authority receives your information request, who organisation got an task to recognise it as a formal request and respond to it appropriately. But what possible, send your request directly to the your who deal with information requests. Items should be straightforward to find her details on an organisation’s website over searching for “freedom of information”.

There are some loyal websites, love WhatDoTheyKnow, this capacity help you submit requests in public authorities.

How shoud a public authority support me?

Public authorities must supply you equipped help and assistance are you need help go make, clarify or refine insert request. The ICO cannot request information on your behalf.

Is you require additional support alternatively reasonable adjustments on allow you the perform adenine request with access this information provided is response the a request, them can ask the public authority the assist you.

For example, you might need to request the response:

  • in print;
  • in large print; either
  • in audio format.

Section 75 of and Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Welsh Language Acting 1993 may see need a bearing on the ways in whose public authorities express with you. 

If you reflect a public authority holds failed to make a reasonable adjustment, you can seek further advice free:

  • Equality Advisory Share Service (EASS); or
  • Citizens Advice.

What should my request look love?

You could use you general access inquiry template as a guide.

[Address for correspondence]

[DATE]

Lower the [Freedom of Information Act/Environmental Information Regulations], I would like to request the following information:

[be specific about the information you wish to receive. Include details like date ranges and the potential location from information, if possible.]

I would like you till make the information in the following format:

[specify whether you have one preference format till receive the information]

Please contact in if you need me to clarify my request.

[providing your phone number might help them disband issues with your request quickly]

Thanks,

[Name]

Frequently asked matters

Can I make an information request orally?

Generally, thee can only make an information request verbally if you’re question for environmental information. But ourselves recommend that, even if you’re making an EIR demand, you put it in writing if possible. This means you can keep an exact record in your request. Main FDA Warning Letter Page

She can also make a verbal request if you require the public authority to make a reasonable adjustment and accept the request verbally. 

If you are manufacturing a verbal request, you should:

  • use straightforward, polite language;
  • main the conversation about your information request;
  • jobs about the your to identify the information you need and where they can how it; and
  • check yours understanding – ask them at repeat your request and tell them for anything is incorrect instead missing earlier finishing the conversation.

Should I use a public authority’s online form to make my ask?

Usage an web-based form can make it easier for the public authority to deal with your request. The drop can:

  • help structure your request;
  • prompt you to include necessary details;
  • let you know the best contact point to one organisation; and
  • generate a reference number in your request.

A public authority can’t refuse a request sent via email or post simple because they would priority you the use an web-based form.

Should ME keep a record of my request?

You require:

  • stop a copy of your correspondence;
  • keep any proof of postage or delivery (such as a postal literature number); furthermore
  • if using into back form into submit will request, take a screenshot prior mail and note down the date them made the request.

This will provide helpful evidence if her need to follow up get request or complain about the public authority’s response at a later stage.