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Self-Assessment Module 5 -
Conduct of Reviews

This module is designed to help your authority carry out an effective review of its response to a request. If an individual is unhappy either with the response they have received or the way in which their request was handled, they have a right to request a formal review by the authority. This module is not just about meeting this statutory requirement, however - good review practice brings wider benefits through improved public trust, increased service user satisfaction, and learning for future requests.


Module content

The module looks at the following areas of practice:

  • Leadership commitment - Are the benefits of proper FOI review processes, and the risks of failure to carry them out, acknowledged by leaders and managers in the authority?
  • Clear but flexible process - Is there a robust, proportionate procedure that is known and accessible by all relevant staff? Are reviews carried out independently of those answering requests?
  • Staff resources and training - Do those carrying out reviews receive appropriate training, understand their responsibilities and have sufficient authority to challenge original responses?
  • Responsive and evolving authority - Does the authority monitor the outcomes of reviews and SIC decisions and learn from them in improving FOI and wider customer service practice?

Module resources

Download Description of contents / purpose

How to carry out an FOI self-assessment

Our detailed guide to completing the five self-assessment stages of a module.

Module 5 Standards and Criteria
  • Introduction to this module
  • Expected outcomes and legal context
  • Characteristics of excellent practice for this module
  • Ratings and evaluation criteria

Module 5 Assessment Questions and Evidence Grid

Workbook of module questions, with sections to record evidence, strengths and areas for improvement

Summary of Findings

A form to record the assessment findings and give your authority a performance rating for this module.

Improvement Action Plan

A form to plan actions to improve performance

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