Freedom of Information Request

evherkes

Hi!

Hoping you can help me as I'm struggling to find anything decent online. I am writing to my previous employer and would like a copy of information held on me in personnel files etc.

Does anyone have a good letter template I can use as I cannot find one, and does anyone have an idea of cost or do I request a price in the letter?

Thank you in advance!

Emily

ohreally

Are you sure its an FOI request you want to make? Sounds more like subject access under data protection.

evherkes

Oh gosh, not heard of that! maybe it is that! Can I ask you what the difference is?

Pigget

The Information Commissioner's Office provide information on making a subject access request under the Data Protection Act here: http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public/personal_information/how_manage/access_info.aspx

This includes details of cost and a template letter.

ohreally

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/youth/template_sar_letter.doc

ohreally

FOI is used to obtain information from public bodies.

This person wishes to know the location of every post box operated by the royal mail...http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/location_of_every_post_box_that

evherkes

I used to work for the Police so I guess that is a public body... is it?

Am I just very confused?

ohreally

evherkes wrote: »

I used to work for the Police so I guess that is a public body... is it?

If its the contents of your personnel file then its a DPA subject access request you're making.

Pigget

The Data Protection Act deals with handling personal information (such as your personnel file) and the Freedom of Information Act deals with official information (such as ohreally's post box example.)

Even though the police have to abide by DPA and FOI, as your request is regarding personal information you are making it under the DPA.

evherkes

Thank you all so so much, very much appreciated, glad I asked now
Best get on and write the thing now

Thanks!!!