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How does Freedom of Information (FOI) work?

The Act requires public bodies to respond to requests from the public for information they hold. In most cases, public bodies must give their decision on a request within 4 weeks of receiving it.

The Freedom of Information Act 2014 allows the public to request and obtain records held by a wide range of public bodies including the HRB. This access, as stated in the Act, should be to the ‘greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the right to privacy’. It gives every person;

  • the right to access records held by the HRB
  • the right to have personal information about them and held by the HRB corrected or updated where the information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading
  • the right to be given reasons for decisions taken by the HRB that affect them.

Frequently asked questions