freedom of information.co.uk

The Act comes in to force on January 1st and allows the public access to information held by over 100,000 public bodies, ranging from Government departments to GP surgeries. 

The survey was conducted by Freedomofinformation.co.uk in late October and early November. Of the 59 NHS communications officers who responded, all but three have a significant role in their organisations’ FOIA implementation teams.

34 of the respondents (approx 57%) said they were either definitely, or on balance, prepared for the FOIA.  An identical number felt definitely, or on balance, that their senior management had paid the Act sufficient attention (a further 4 – approx 7% - said they were not sure.) 

The survey also asked respondents if they believed the FOIA presented their organisations with any specific public relations problems.  Although some said they were concerned about public perceptions if they were unable to answer information requests within time limits imposed by the Act, only 21 (approx 36%) believed definitely, or on balance, that their organisations’ records management systems may not be up to the task.

John Ashton, partner of Freedomofinformation.co.uk said, “The communications managers I speak to are all committed to delivering greater openness.  It’s clear that many of those who expressed concerns are, in fact, very clued up about the Act.  Health trusts are dynamic places and I’m sure that many of those where problems were identified will have made great steps in the weeks since the survey was conducted.”

The Association of Healthcare Communicators (AHC) has this week published a guide to the FOIA for NHS communications managers, written by John Ashton.  The booklet ‘Opening-up – The Freedom of Information Act: a guide for NHS communications managers’, is available from The AHC, PO Box 265, Oxford, OX1 5XB, or tel: 01525 223068.  The AHC is the primary independent network for healthcare communications professionals working for, or with, the NHS.