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Posted By Mike Craven
Has anyone been asked to respond to anything like this and, of so, what did you provide?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires all public bodies to make available a publication scheme to inform citizens of the range of information that their organisation has, and how to obtain it. In this scheme, ‘publication’ refers to documents available in various formats including leaflets, reports, minutes of all meetings, books, computer files such as databases, web pages and tapes. The Freedom of Information Act itself comes into effect in January 2005 which will allow the general public access to all types of recorded information held by the public body, some exemptions will be in place.
In order for the council to be prepared for the introduction of the Act we are holding a documents amnesty on XXXXXXX 2004 in the XXXXXX Office from XXX to XXX. What we need from you is a copy of all documents, leaflets, books and forms we produce. We also require the following information:
* Where can the information be found
* Version/Date
* Status of the documents/ leaflets (has it been approved by Council)
* Is this version the most recent
* Does the document have a shelf life?
* Will the document be replaced by new document?
* Can the document be published?
* Contact name for this document
Many thanks
Mike
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Posted By Allan St.John Holt
Well, someone's got a job for life, haven't they? Dearie me. Where will it all end? In tears, I'll be bound.
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Posted By David Sinclair
And most poeople have the final implementation of the DDA 1995, with regard to members of the public to contend with by October 2004.
Arn't we all going to be busy people.
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Posted By Gavin
Be careful, it sound a little as if a solicitor is going on a fishing trip to support a claim against your company.
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Posted By Jack
The FOI will give everyone a legal right to see information held by national, regional and local government and some other organisations working on behalf of government. Local Authorities are all now preparing for this and I would guess that's where your request comes from.
Yet another cross for colleaques in the public sector to bear!
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Mike Craven
You're exactly right, Jack - the request has come from our Communications Officer on behalf of the "Forward Planning Team".
Having worked in the "public sector" for nearly 25 years, and having a knowledge of local government through my current job and as a local coucillor from 1991 to 2003, I am awae of the need for openess and accountability. The "problem" I have with the request for information is trying to understand what copies of documents as well as a summary are being requested.
I am tempted to my filing cabinets, desk, pc and self up to the "Forward Planning Team" and offer that as being the "information" i hold, but am trying to be a bit more constructive!
I suppose a starting point might be to produce a copy of the various policies that I have in place, (eg, Safety Policy, Accident Reporting/Recording Policy, Risk Assessment Policy, etc). But what else should I submit? - the term "infornmation" is difficult to define/understand.
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Posted By Jim Walker
I would'nt loose any sleep.
In my experience most public bodies (local councils, NHS etc) ignore legislation anyway. The Health and Safety at Work Act for one.
Do what they always do and whine about lack of resources.
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