A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) is a request you can send to a public office to access information or data.
The Data Protection Act 2018 gives you the right to request access to any of your personal data held by us.
Freedom of Information Requests (FOI)
A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) is a request you can send to a public office to access information or data. An FOI request is a general request for access to information or documents held by a public body. Members of the public have a right to made FOI requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
You may find that the information you want is already on our website. If this is the case, an FOI request is not required. If the information you want is not on our website you will need to submit an FOI request.
How to submit an FOI
To submit an FOI, you can send your request by completing the enquiry form below. You will need to select the option ‘submit a Freedom of Information request. Or alternatively, you submit your request in writing to the Policy Manager and send it to
FAO Data Protection Officer
PO Box 72252 London
SW1P 9ZZ
The request needs to include:
- Your name
- A contact address (either postal or email address)
- A detailed description of the information you want. You will also need to tell us whether you want a summary of the information held or whether you actually want all of the information held on the subject of your request
When will I get a response?
You should receive a response to your FOI request in 20 working days. This time limit is set in the Freedom of Information Act. If we can’t meet this time limit we will let you know. This is a legal requirement.
When might a FOI request be turned down?
Sometimes an FOI request might be turned down. If we can't give you some or all of the information you have requested, we will tell you why. Some reasons may include, but are not limited to:
- The information you are requesting is sensitive and it is not in the public interest to provide this.
- It would be too costly to obtain and provide the information you are asking for.
- Your request is not clear or specific enough. If this happens we may ask you to clarify your request so we can assist you.
Reviews of the response
If you are unhappy with the response to your FOI request you can ask us for a review. If you are not satisfied with the review you can raise a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Subject Access Requests (SAR)
The Data Protection Act 2018 gives you the right to request access to any of your personal data held by us.
How to submit a SAR
To submit a SAR, you can send your request by completing the enquiry form below. You will need to select the option ‘submit a request under the Data Protection Act’. Or alternatively, you submit your request in writing to the Policy Manager and send it to
FAO Data Protection Manager
PO Box 72252 London
SW1P 9ZZ
When making a SAR you need to be clear about what you are requesting and you will need to provide proof of identify. You can do this by sending a copy of one of the following documents:
- driving licence
- birth/adoption certificate,
- passport
- recent utility bill
Please do not send originals. You will also need to include:
- contact details
- your SCO reference number
- details of the information required. Include relevant dates if you require documents from a specific date.
We have the right to charge a fee for dealing with the request. However unless it will cost us to collect the data no fee will apply.
When will I get a response?
You should receive a response to your SAR request within one calendar month. This time limit is set in the Data Protection Act 2018. If we can’t meet this time limit we will let you know. This is a legal requirement.