Overview

If you can't find the information you need from our published sources, we're committed to answering information requests under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

What's in the act?

The Act gives you the right to know how our services are run, how much they cost, our targets and results, and how you can make a complaint if you need to.

There are some exemptions, which are managed according to the Freedom of Information Act Code of Practice (PDF 267KB) and guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office

What happens when you send a request?

Once we have received your request, we'll send you an acknowledgement. Then we are bound by law to give you a response within 20 working days of our acknowledgement. 

We're receiving a high number of requests. We may take longer than the statutory time permitted under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to respond. We'll do our best to tell you before the deadline if this is likely to occur.

Will I be charged?

We are able to charge fees for requests, outlined in the Freedom of Information Fee Regulations, however, we generally only charge you for hard copies or copying onto media such as CD. The charges will vary according to how information is made available.

Legally, if the cost of obtaining and sending you the information is more than £450, we do not have to provide you with the information you requested.

In certain cases, we may provide you with the information requested even if the estimated cost exceeds the limit above. In this case we can either provide the information at no charge, charge you the full cost or charge you the difference between the total cost and the limit above.

And if I don't get what I want?

In the first instance you should appeal to us directly, in line with our FOI appeal process. Download a copy of the appeal process or email us at gstt.foi@nhs.net for a copy to be sent to you.

If you're still dissatisfied after the appeals process, you have the right, under section 50 of the Act, to apply to the Information Commissioner to seek resolution to the matter.