Information for staff > Freedom of information

Freedom of Information

On this page:

• Freedom of information, the 5 key points that every member of staff needs to know

In this section:

• Request handling procedures
• Who is my practitioner? - restricted to University of Edinburgh members only
• What is freedom of information?
• Advice and guidance
• Awareness raising resources
• The publication scheme
• Freedom of information at the University of Edinburgh
• Useful external links

Freedom of information: the 5 key points that every member of staff needs to know

1. You have a maximum of 20 working days to answer any request for information.
2. If a request concerns your area and information that can be released, avoid complications by following the procedures.
   • Request handling procedures
3. Contact your local FOI practitioner if you want to refuse any request, are unsure about any aspect of the request, or if it does not relate to your area of work.
4. Create clear and professional information as all work documents and emails could be released under an information request.
5. Make your information accessible to other staff so they can find it if needed to answer a request, when you are not there.

The 5 key points are available as a diagram to print out and keep.

• 5 key points diagram - pdf

If you need it, further information about freedom of information is available in this section.  The University Records Management Section can also provide advice, guidance and training on freedom of information issues. If you require assistance with this, contact us at recordsmanagement@ed.ac.uk.

Page last updated: Thursday November 18 2010