Freedom of Information Policy
Background
Solutions SK is committed to complying with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and related legislation. This provides a general entitlement to information that the company holds to any person subject to exemptions and conditions laid down by law.
Scope
This policy applies to all recorded information the company holds regardless of how it was created or received. It applies no matter what media the information is stored in and whether the information may be on paper or held electronically. The Act is fully retrospective.
Dealing with Requests
The company offers advice and assistance to anybody who wishes to make a request for information. The company is committed to dealing with requests within the statutory timescales of no more than 20 working days. This can be extended in specific circumstances on legal advice. However, the company is committed to providing a prompt service. The company will claim exemptions as appropriate whilst maintaining a commitment to openness, scrutiny and the public interest. Where appropriate, requests in writing will be treated as Freedom of Information requests. There is no need for requests to indicate they are made under the Act. The company reserves the right to refuse requests where the cost of supply of the information would exceed the statutory maximum (currently £450).
Adopting and Maintaining Publication Schemes
The company has adopted a Publication Scheme and is committed to updating and maintaining it to keep it current and relevant. The Publication Scheme contains many of the documents, policies, plans and guidance which are regularly asked for. Material contained within the publication scheme, and a copy of the scheme itself, is readily available. Where charges are applied these are stated in the Scheme. There is limited access to the scheme via the website. Officers of the company will give advice and assistance on how to use the scheme as appropriate.
Relationship with the Data Protection Act
The company is under a legal duty to protect personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998. The company will carefully consider its responsibilities under the Data Protection Act before releasing personal data about living individuals, including current and former officers, and users of its services. See 'Related Items' on the right of the page for the DPA pages.
Responsibilities
All staff are responsible for ensuring that any request for information they receive is dealt with under the Act and in compliance with this policy. They are also responsible for good information handling practice and implementing records management policies and procedures as appropriate to their post.
Contact Details
For advice and assistance please contact the Business Systems Manager by emailing systems@solutionssk.co.uk or by writing to us at Solutions SK Limited, Enterprise House, Oakhurst Drive, off Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle Heath, Stockport SK3 0XT.
Further advice and information, including a full list of exemptions and advice on the public interest test, is available from the Information Commissioner's Office.
