The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into force in January 2005. It allows anyone to ask for and request access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. The Trust handles FOI requests in accordance with guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office.
I want to find something out about the Trust
Before making a FOI request, please check our website to see if it contains the information you require. Our publication scheme contains all the information the Trust routinely publishes, and is a good place to start your search.
I want to request access to health records
Please see our information page to request your health records or the records of another person if you are their authorised representative. This information does not fall under the Freedom of Information Act.
How do I request information that is not on the website?
If you cannot find what you are looking for on the website, you are entitled to request whether we hold the information of interest, and then copies of that information to be sent to you. Requests should be made in writing and include an address to which correspondence can be sent.
When will my request be answered?
We will aim to respond to your request within 20 days. If we are unable to provide the information within that time, we will contact you and give you an estimate of how much longer the request will take.
Can my request be refused?
There are some exemptions to the act, for example, if the request relates to personal information or information intended for future publication. When an exemption is considered appropriate, we will explain to you why this decision has been taken, and any further steps you can take.
Requests can also be refused if the time taken to investigate whether we hold the information and access it exceeds a cost of £450. In this case, we will contact you to establish whether you wish to:
- pay for the cost
- amend the request so that it costs less than £450
- no longer proceed with the request.
Is there a charge for my request?
We are entitled to charge for the copying and postage of material, but we will usually absorb these costs. If we do consider charging you, we will let you know first.
