Freedom of Information
Rights of access have become increasingly important with Government now committed to greater openness in the public sector. From January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act changed the way public authorities operated. The Access to Environmental Regulations imposed a special regime to cover information about the environment and significantly widened the right of access to such information. This has been followed by rights to re-use information. The legislation has involved significant process changes for public authorities in their records management and publication of information, as well as dealing with particular specific requests.
Pinsent Masons deals with the range of access and re-use issues, under the FOIA and other access regimes. We provide extensive support services on freedom of information to public bodies including consultancy, bespoke and public training including training leading to an ISEB qualification, e-learning, a comprehensive Implementation Manual and a Freedom of Information helpline. Our specialist team works with representative organisations in the public sector to provide sector specific training and support.
