Freedom of Information

A thorough and accessible account of how to use the Freedom of Information Act and other rights to information written by a leading expertAn essential practical guide for anyone who wants to obtain information from public authoritiesClear and comprehensive explanations of your rights and how the process operates in practiceFull of tested and detailed advice for all stages of the process from writing effective FOI requests to understanding the exemptions and challenging refusals to supply informationDescribes a wide range of techniques and tactics for using FOI productively based on extensive practical experienceIncludes templates for requests and sections on specific rules for environmental information personal data and ScotlandThis book is a valuable resource for journalists researchers campaigners charities lawyers businesses academics and concerned citizens - or anyone else who wants to be better informed about the activities of government councils and the public sector.. Martin Rosenbaum is a highly experienced and successful user of the freedom of information system. For 16 years he was the leading specialist in utilising FOI for journalism in BBC News where he pioneered its use breaking stories as well as training and advising many other journalists. He now works as an FOI consultant trainer and writer.. “An essential book on the topic … if you’re new to FOI you’d be silly not to read it and even if you’re experienced in it it will tell you things of value” - Jon Baines Chair National Association of Data Protection and FOI Officers. “An invaluable guide … full of useful tips on how to make the most effective requests … essential reading for FOI requestors” - Andrew Lownie historian. “A great resource on the field helpfully organised into sections on requests replies appeals and alternatives such as EIR” - Paul Bradshaw lecturer in journalism Birmingham City University. “Lots of useful advice ... a well-written book by someone who knows their subject inside and out” - Tim Turner information rights trainer and consultant