Freedom of Information Explained
What is Freedom Of Information?
The Freedom of information act (2000) was passed in Nov 2000 and is a law giving people the general right to see recorded information held by public authorities. It replaced the Open Government Code of Practice which had been in operation since 1994. The act helps people get a better understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, make decisions and spend public money. The organisations that are effected by the Act are Central Govt; Local Authorities; Police and Police Authorities; The Health Service; Schools, Colleges and Universities.
Under the act every public authority must produce a publication scheme which is essentially a guide to the information a public authority routinely publishes or intends to publish. The publication scheme reduces the administrative burden of dealing with individual requests as well as demonstrating to the public a commitment to openness.
People wishing to see Trust documents should first access the Publication Scheme to see if the document they wish to view is available there. To access the Trust Publication Scheme click on the link below:
If the information you require is not in our Publication Scheme, you can make a specific request for that information.
To make a request under the Freedom of Information Act click the link below:
