Freedom of information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was signed by the Queen onto the statute book in November 2000, establishing a general right of access to all types of 'recorded' information held by public authorities. This right was implemented for central Government bodies from 2005.

OGC publication scheme

The FOI Act was implemented with the production of a publication scheme for each public authority, starting with central Government in November 2002, and concluding with all other public bodies by 2003. OGC's publication scheme (PDF, 868KB) has been approved by the Information Commissioner and describes what OGC intends to publish from its internal documents and materials.

Freedom of Information (Civil Procurement) Guidance

Guidance is available for procurement practioners and FOI decision makers, on the application of the FOI Act to procurement related information. The guidance:

provides general advice on FOI procurement issues;
gives recommendations on the application of key aspects of the FOI Act; and
summarises the starting point disclosure positions included in the procurement-related working assumptions.

The procurement-related working assumptions are part of the general set of short guidance notes, from the Department for Constitutional Affairs, on the applicability of exemptions to a range of information types, providing an overview of the public interest considerations that should be balanced when each information request is being assessed.

Civil Procurement guidance material (PDF)