University of York
   
 

Freedom of Information

     
 

The Information Commissioner's Top Ten Tips

     
  1. Be positive. Greater transparency is good for the public and democracy.
  2. Be active. Use the Publication Scheme pro-actively. Pro-active publication saves time, effort, resources and money.
  3. Anticipate requests – don’t wait to be asked.
  4. Why not? The Act presumes disclosure. We should meet people’s requests unless there is a good reason within the Act not to. Just because an exemption applies doesn’t mean we always have to withhold information.
  5. Get talking. A dialogue with the requester can help resolve requests more quickly.
  6. Don't fear precedent. All decisions should be made on their own merits and on a case-by-case basis at the time of the request.
  7. Give clear reasons. If turning down a request, we must write a clear Refusal Notice. Properly drafted and fully explained refusals can help avoid reviews and complaints. [Refusals are issued by the Records Manager in conjunction with stakeholders].
  8. Give more if it helps. Supply additional information where it is useful, such as an explanation of the data you are supplying.
  9. Meet it or beat it. You must meet the 20 day deadline – beat it if possible.
  10. Help yourself. Look at the University’s guidance on the Act and handling enquiries at www.york.ac.uk/recordsmanagement/foi. See also guidance from the Information Commissioner at www.ico.gov.uk.
         
     
   
Page updated: July 2006