How prepared are public bodies for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information Act, in January 2005?

Abstract

Purpose

To assess how prepared public bodies are for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in January 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

The FOI Act 2000 established a general right of access to information held by public authorities in the UK, subject to certain exemptions. This article reports on research undertaken in the summer of 2004 which sought to establish the state of preparedness in UK public bodies by the assessment of four case studies, comprising a local authority, a national museum, a police force, and a university. Structured interviews were conducted with key staff in each organisation using the Department for Constitutional Affairs’ model action plan for preparing for FOI as the basis. The key aspects of the analysis are leadership, training, records management, customers and systems and procedures.

Findings

The investigation has revealed that, overall, the majority of organisations implemented the most basic and immediate changes required to cope adequately in January 2005 when customers were expected to start to request information. Their level of preparedness is therefore limited to tackling the superficial areas of concern, as a result of the short‐term and reactionary approach adopted.

Originality/value

Highlights organisational, legislative and governmental weaknesses in preparing for the FOI Act. This investigation also concludes that the enactment of the proposed new archival and records management legislation is essential to ensure that public bodies are compelled to further improve the provision and management of records.

Citation

Screene, L. (2005), "How prepared are public bodies for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information Act, in January 2005?", Records Management Journal, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 34-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565690510585411