What is Freedom of Information (FOI)
Freedom of Information (FOI) gives the public the right to access information held by public organisations, including the NHS, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It exists to promote transparency, ensure public accountability, and help people understand how decisions are made and how public money is spent.
Making a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request
You have the right to request recorded information held by public organisations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Following these tips will help us respond to your request quickly and effectively.
You can request:
- Information held in recorded formats (emails, reports, policies, data)
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Statistics and figures (e.g. waiting times, staffing levels)
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Decisions, processes, and internal guidance
You cannot request:
- Personal medical records (these require a Subject Access Request)
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Opinions or answers to hypothetical questions
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Information not already recorded
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Information held by another organisation
Tips for making a clear request
To help us find the information you need:
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Be specific – clearly describe what information you want
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Include dates or timeframes (e.g. “from April 2023 to March 2024”)
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Keep it focused – broad requests may take longer or be refused
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Avoid multiple unrelated questions in one request
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Use plain language – no need for legal wording
Exemptions and limitations
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In some cases, we may not be able to provide all the information requested. Common reasons include:
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Patient confidentiality (personal data is protected)
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Commercially sensitive information
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Information intended for future publication
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Requests that exceed cost/time limits
Where possible, we will explain any exemptions used and provide as much information as we can.
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NHS Devon, Aperture House, Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AZ
Email: d-icb.foi@nhs.net
Floor 2S, Beacon Technology Park, Chy Trevail, Dunmere Rd, Bodmin PL31 2FR
Email: ciosicb.foi@nhs.net