Freedom of Information Annual Report 2010/11

The Commissioners approach to practice assessments is to help the authority identify its own good practice, and work closely with the authority to help it develop practical solutions so problems can be quickly resolved.

Meeting deadlines - a case study

During an assessment visit of West Lothian Council in July 2010, senior managers acknowledged they had experienced difficulty in complying with statutory timescales. The assessment team agreed an action plan with the Council which included setting an internal response target of 15 days, altering its logging systems to generate automatic alerts, and a monthly report to monitor performance.  Before the assessment, the Council met the statutory timescale of 20 working days for 72% of requests – six months after the assessment this was up to 88%.

"We found the assessment was a constructive process which helped the Council to improve its performance in meeting the 20 day timescale."

Gordon Blair, Chief Legal Officer, West Lothian Council

 

What the authorities say

 

"There were a number of areas where we felt we were doing well and it was rewarding to have these recognised. Equally we wanted to take on board those areas which we could improve upon."

Alison Flynn, Freedom of Information Manager, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

 

"The practice assessment was a daunting prospect for us, but it turned out to be a really positive experience.  We were working on improving FOI arrangements anyway, and the assessment helped to focus everyone's attention, throughout the organisation, on what was needed.  It made us take a closer look at the way we had been doing some things.  We worked out most of the problem areas ourselves, but talking it through with the assessors helped to confirm our thoughts about how to put things right."

Inspector Fraser Downie, FOI Unit Manager, Fife Constabulary

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