Join Us
Welcome to FOI+ an online support service and networking tool for information professionals working in the public sector. Through this service we aim to provide you with an effective additional resource - an expert in your office!
FOI+ what is it?
A support service which brings together recognised experts in the fields of Information Governance and Security, the Access to Information legislation and the Regulations on the Re-Use of Public Sector Information.
FOI+ what can it do for you
- Provide access to a help desk to advise on how to process information requests
- Provide an expert panel to give in depth advice about how to approach complex issues
- Provide an online tool to discuss specific aspects with colleagues and access best practice
- Provide an instant on line alert service to raise awareness of 'round robin ' requests and provide advice in relation to them
- Provide access to the S.14 Vexatious Request Clearing House
- Provide an analysis of decisions made by the Information Commissioner and an assessment of how they might affect you
- Provide a library of useful tools which you can use within your organisation
- Updated FAQs to reflect current concerns and solutions
- Provide access to leading edge training and consultancy at discounted prices
Helpdesk
You can either call us or use the online facility to seek advice and assistance concerning any issues in connection with
- Access to Information
- Information Governance and Security
- Application of sector specific Information Governance Toolkits
- Re-use of Public Sector Information
- Records and Information Management
We will also help with difficult information requests - deciding what information is being requested - how to handle the request - which exemptions might be applied - how the public interest test works in particular cases. Where necessary we will ask members of our panel - all recognised experts in their fields - to consider the issues and contribute to our advice.
All you have to do is contact us - we'll get back to you within three working days either by telephone or email and once you join the service there is no restriction on the number of times you ask us to help - we are pleased to be able to do so.
Network Mail
An easily accessed tool for use by all members to share best practice and to access better understanding of the issues which constantly challenge us. Updated discussion will come straight to your desktop - it then becomes your choice whether you participate. Effortless access to these invaluable discussions will enable you to constantly update your understanding and knowledge.
Network Alerts
There is no mechanism for organisations to become aware of information requests which are being distributed on a multi-targeted basis. Through the Network Mail System multi-targeted requests will now come straight to you - with an analysis of the issues and a process by which you will be able to take advantage of a co-ordinated response - leading to an effective, confident and consistent response across sectors.
Benchmarking
Decisions of the Information Commissioner and the Information Tribunal should advance and clarify our understanding of the application of the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations and the Data Protection Act. These will in turn help us to take forward issues which arise in connection with the interconnected areas of Information Governance, Information Security and the re-use of Public Sector Information.
Through the benchmarking process, P-PACT will analyse the most important of the Information Commissioner's decisions and all of those of the Information Tribunal. This will enable members to access a casebook which will constantly update and inform the current thinking around the application of the exemptions, exceptions and the public interest test.
Library
Don't re-invent the wheel! Use presentations, briefings and training tools which we have designed and which we are happy to make available to you . This comprehensive library contains a series of papers, presentations and scenarios with additional bedtime reading in the form of policies and procedures!
Discounted rates for Training and Consultancy
Members of FOI+ are given generous discounts for courses, conferences and consultancy.
How do I join FOI+?
Easy - simply fill out the application form and send it to us electronically, or if you prefer you can download the form. Once we receive it we will acknowledge it within 48 hours giving you a quotation for membership.
