Freedom of Information

Making a Freedom of Information Request

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act was passed in November 2000 and gives you the right to access recorded information held by public sector organisations.   

Recorded information includes printed documents, computer files, letters, emails, photographs, and sound or video recordings.

Anyone can request information – there are no restrictions on your age, nationality or where you live.

Freedom of Information Requests must be made in writing however this can be undertaken by email or post.

You can download our Freedom of Information factsheet here.

The Act does not give people access to their own personal data (information about themselves) such as their health records. If you would like to request information that a public authority holds about you (such as your ambulance records), you should make a data protection subject access request, the details of how to do this are below. 

Ways you can make your FOI request

Before You Submit a Freedom of Information Request

We encourage you to review our Publication Scheme before submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The Publication Scheme is regularly updated and contains a wealth of information that may already address your query, including details on our operations, financial data, performance reports, and more.

By checking the Publication Scheme first, you may find the information you need instantly, without the need to submit a formal request.

Explore the Publication Scheme

 

Make your request online

Complete the form below selecting ‘Freedom of Information’ in the ‘Sending to’ section and press ‘Submit Form’

FOI request

 

Alternative ways to raise a Freedom of Information Request

By post:

Information Governance
Trust HQ
Abbey Court,
Eagle Way,
Exeter
EX2 7HY

Or email us directly SDPlus.InformationGovernance@SWAST.nhs.uk