Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to all types of written information held by public authorities, which includes all HPSS Trusts, Boards, Councils and Agencies. It is designed to encourage more open and accountable government.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, people already have the right to access information about themselves held on computer and on paper. FOI extends those rights to allow access to all the types of information held by a public body, with very few exemptions.

The Northern Health and Social Services Board is an open and transparent organisation and we are committed to routinely publishing information whenever possible. Over the coming months the way we publish information will change.

What changes will be made?

The Information Commissioner, who is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the FOI Act 2000, has developed a new Model Publication Scheme to be adopted by all Public Authorities. The new Scheme will standardise the way Public Authorities publish their information.

Why are the changes happening?

The changes have been brought about following extensive consultation with Public Authorities. The new Model Publication Scheme has been developed to help reduce duplication and bureaucracy and ensure consistency in the release of information. In the future information will be made available under theses seven broad classes:

• Who we are and what we do.
  Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
• What we spend and how we spend it.
  Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts. 
• What our priorities are and how we are doing.
  Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
• How we make decisions.
  Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.
• Our policies and procedures.
  Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.       
• Lists and registers.
  Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.
• The services we offer.
  Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.

Further information regarding the changes can be obtained from the Information Commissioners website http://www.ico.gov.uk/

Most of the information we make routinely available can be accessed through our website please click here or by using our search facility on our home page. 

If you have any difficulty in accessing information through our website and you would like to submit a request for information please write to:

Freedom of Information Liaison Officer
NHSSB
County Hall
182 Galgorm Road
Ballymena
BT42 1QB

E-mail address: foi@nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk

Your request for information should include:

• Your full name and postal address including postocde.
• Details of the information you are requesting from the Publication Scheme.
• The way in which you would prefere the information to be sent to you(for example, a printed copy or by email).

Further assistance and guidance on the provision of information can also be provided by writing directly to the Publication Scheme Co-ordinator at the address below:

Jacqueline Burns
Publication Scheme Co-ordinator
NHSSB
County Hall
182 Galgorm Road
Ballymena
BT42 1QB

E-mail address: psc@nhssb.n-i.nhs.uk

Freedom of Information Act 2000 Publication Scheme