Implementation of the FOI Law Mrs. Carole Excell FOI Coordinator Boards and Committees November 18, 2008

 Prepared written FOI implementation plan and released for public consultation.  Completed Baseline Assessment of all public authorities in January  Completed Regulatory Framework for FOI- FOI Regulations Accomplishments

Accomplishments TTTTrained 150 Information Managers through the Civil Service College PPPPrepared FOI Guidance Manual completed for use by IM’s and Chief Officers and Principal Officers approved by Legal Committee of FOISC

Accomplishments  2700 public officials sensitised on FOI  Conducted 4 Chief Officer retreats and 6 HOD Briefings and 5 Information Manager Network meetings.  Completed IT Tracking system developed for tracking requests

 Provided guidance for web publication schemes for all public authorities  Completed a User Guide for the Public  Contracted review of inconsistent legislation Accomplishments

Accomplishments  Held 2 Sunshine Weeks  Completed quarterly reports to Cabinet  Supported process of appointment of Information Commissioner

Implementation  Began TESTING phase for public authorities to receive their first FOI request.  FOI Unit has ensured that training, statutory arrangements and guidelines are complete.

Where are we?  Information Managers have been designated for all public authorities.  Code of Practice on Records Management finalised and distributed to all Chief Officers by Chief Secretary  Minimum requirement for FOI is preparation of a records survey of all printed and electronic files

FOI Guidelines  COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND TENDERS (Legal Committee)  HUMAN RESOURCES GUIDELINES (POCS)  Guidelines ON DISABILITIES  DRAFTS completed

Plan for 2010 In 2009 the FOI Unit will focus on: In 2009 the FOI Unit will focus on: Development of a scope of work and policy on Data Protection Legislation; Development of a scope of work and policy on Data Protection Legislation; Procedural guidance for Whistleblowers; Procedural guidance for Whistleblowers; Determination of policy on scope of Law i.e. which entities outside of Government should the FOI Law be extended to include (if any); Determination of policy on scope of Law i.e. which entities outside of Government should the FOI Law be extended to include (if any); Finalization of submission of laws which are inconsistent with the FOI Law and preparation of appropriate amendments; and Finalization of submission of laws which are inconsistent with the FOI Law and preparation of appropriate amendments; and Monitoring public authorities to complete development of Publication Schemes for Gazetting by January Monitoring public authorities to complete development of Publication Schemes for Gazetting by January 2010.

Conclusion  We don’t need a law to be more transparent “FOI implementation is not an event: it is a process which demands long term commitment” (Freedom of Information Act Progress Towards Implementation, House of Commons 2004) (Freedom of Information Act Progress Towards Implementation, House of Commons 2004)