The practice assessment visit

Before the practice visit takes place, the authority will have had plenty of contact with the Assessment Team, who will have agreed a schedule with the authority for the two-day visit.

What happens during a practice assessment visit?

Day 1

Each assessment schedule is tailored to the particular needs and circumstances of the authority, but typically the first day starts with an opening meeting with the Chief Executive (and/or whoever has strategic responsibility for FOI), and other key contacts within the authority.  The assessors explain the purpose and scope of the assessment, what they plan to do over the two days, and what happens after the visit.  The authority can ask any questions it has.

The first morning is usually spent with the key FOI contact (usually whoever is responsible for the day-to-day handling of requests), looking at the authority's systems for logging and monitoring requests and discussing how requests are handled within the organisation.

After lunch the assessors will normally interview whoever is responsible for conducting reviews, and (where appropriate) someone who is not from the central FOI team, to discuss processing and monitoring of requests.  The day closes with a review from the assessors and a round-up of the assessment so far.

Day 2

Day two starts with more interviews with staff, often including the authority's press office.  After lunch, the assessors will clarify any outstanding issues and highlight any issues identified during the interviews.  This is an opportunity to revisit any areas before the concluding meeting takes place.

Finally, at the closing meeting (ideally with the same people who attended the opening meeting), the assessors present high level findings from the assessment, including areas of non compliance and good practice.

 Indicative schedule for assessment visits (PDF - 33kB)

 

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