First, check whether FOI is the right tool
FOI can help with existing records held by an NHS body, council, government department or another body covered by the Act. Coverage depends on the organisation and the information it holds.
Examples of a focused request
- A current policy, procedure or recorded decision document.
- Existing aggregate figures about how a process has been used.
- Records explaining a public body's general approach to a service.
Disclosure can still be limited by exemptions or the cost of locating the information.
When FOI is not the route
- Your own personnel, health or disciplinary records: use a subject access request.
- Records held only by a private employer: FOI generally does not apply to that employer.
- A question that requires the authority to create new information or a fresh explanation.
Need papers for a workplace meeting?
Ask the employer promptly for the allegations and evidence relevant to that meeting. FOI is not a shortcut to your personal file, and a request does not pause a meeting or an employment claim deadline.
Narrow enough to be useful
A good request describes the recorded information, the likely holder and a sensible period. Narrowing it can reduce delay, but it cannot guarantee disclosure.
Identify the authority
We check whether the target is covered by FOI and whether the information might already be published.
Set the question
We turn the information you want into one clear written request for one authority, with a sensible period and scope.
Send and track it
You receive the request and sending instructions. If the authority refuses or asks for clarification, we can quote separately for further work.
A precise request for one public authority.
The fee covers a suitability check, scoping and drafting one written FOI request to one authority, plus one reasonable revision and sending instructions. It does not include submission, chasing, internal review or analysis of the response. Those are separately quoted if needed.
Any charge made by the public authority for permitted copying or delivery is separate from our fee and would be discussed before you agree to it.
A few useful distinctions
FOI is about public records. It is not a general discovery process for a private dispute.
Can I use FOI to get my own HR file?
No. Your own personal information is handled through data protection subject access rights, even when a public authority employs you. See our subject access page.
Does FOI cover every healthcare employer?
No. NHS bodies can be public authorities, but a privately owned healthcare business is generally outside FOI. We check the actual organisation before drafting.
How long does it take?
Public authorities normally respond within 20 working days. Clarification, a valid fees notice or time needed for a public-interest test can affect the timetable.
What if the authority refuses?
It must explain the basis for refusing all or part of a request. An internal review or complaint may be possible; we can assess the response and quote for that work separately.
Will my request stay private?
FOI is a route to information that may be disclosed publicly, not just confidentially to you. Avoid including unnecessary personal information in the request.
Tell us what you are trying to find.
We will check whether FOI is suitable and agree a fixed scope before paid work begins. No sensitive files are needed for the first enquiry.
This page describes the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for covered authorities in England and Wales and UK-wide bodies. Different Scottish rules may apply. ProHearings is not a firm of solicitors and does not conduct litigation.