Internal reviews are a vital part of the FOI process. The initial response should be solid and well-considered, but sometimes it’s not. If the applicant isn’t happy with the second chance answer, the next stage is the Information Commissioner, which involves a lot of time, work and effort. Even if you maintain the substance of the original decision, creating a better version of it will pay dividends. But if you spot a better approach, you’ll be supporting transparency and the public’s right to information as well as doing your organisation a huge favour.

Course includes:

• Common problems with FOI responses

• Ensuring independence and objectivity

• How to use the original response in your internal review and give the request a genuine second look at the same time

• Checklist for your review

  • Was the request clear?

  • Do you hold the information that was requested?

  • The prejudice test for exemptions

  • The public interest test

  • The passage of time and its effect on disclosure