How do I write a Freedom of Information request?
For your request to be dealt with according to the Freedom of Information Act, you must:
- contact the relevant authority directly;
- make the request in writing, for example in a letter or an email.
- give your real name; and.
- give an address to which the authority can reply.
Can foreigners make FOIA requests?
Any person can file a FOIA request, including U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, universities, businesses, and state and local governments. Federal employees may not use government time or equipment when requesting information under the FOIA.
What can I ask for in a Freedom of Information request?
Freedom of information (FOI) gives you the right to ask any public sector organisation for information they hold. Anyone can request information. You can also ask for information about yourself under data protection legislation.
How do you write a FOI letter?
You must make a Freedom of Information ( FOI ) request in writing….You should give:
- your name (not needed if you’re asking for environmental information)
- a contact postal or email address.
- a detailed description of the information you want – for example, you might want all information held on a subject, or just a summary.
How do I write a successful FOI request?
Be specific If you do decide to make a FOI request, cite the Act in your request (you don’t have to but it can help to avoid confusion). Make your request as clear as possible. Don’t be ambiguous. You can’t blame a public authority for misinterpreting your request if you’ve not specified clearly what you want.
How can I get records from another country?
Foreign FOI: How to request records in another country
- PLAN AHEAD.
- CHECK THAT THE INFORMATION IS NOT ONLINE.
- KNOW THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK.
- UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.
- KNOW THE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF THE INSTITUTION.
- FIND ORGANIZATIONS AND JOURNALISTS THAT WORK IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
- EMBRACE THE CROSS-BORDER SPIRIT.
How long does a Freedom of Information request take?
20 working days
Under the Act, most public authorities may take up to 20 working days to respond, counting the first working day after the request is received as the first day. For schools, the standard time limit is 20 school days, or 60 working days if this is shorter.
What makes a valid FOI request?
To be valid under the FOIA, a request must fulfil the criteria set out in Section 8 of the Act. (a) is in writing, (b) states the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence, and (c) describes the information requested.
Does a freedom of information request have to be in writing?
For a request to be valid under the Freedom of Information Act it must be in writing, but requesters do not have to mention the Act or direct their request to a designated member of staff.
How do I process a FOI request?
Your request must be in writing
- state that you’re requesting access to information under the FOI Act.
- state the document(s) you want, giving enough detail to help the agency or minister to identify the document(s)
- give an address or email address where the agency or minister can send you the document.