Dear All,
Just thought I'd be the first to post to the list in this new era of Freedom
of Information in the UK and wish you all a Happy New Year!
For those of you who don't subscribe to INFORMAA (the Journal of the Records
Management Society of Australasia www.rmaa.com.au) I thought I bring to your
attention a little article that caught my eye in the May 2004 Edition by
Mike Steemson . In this article Mike reviews the work of Chris Hurley and
his step-by-step guide to actioning FoI demands:
"When you have been fobbed off with "the records no longer exist excuse",
Chris recommends that you :
A) Lodge a Freedom of Information Request with the offender, asking:
1. Were the documents really destroyed and if so what was destroyed? Request
a list.
2. Was the destruction documented? Request proof.
3. Who destroyed the documents? Ask for a name.
4. Who authorised the destruction? Request another name.
5. Why were the documents destroyed?
6. Did the Archives/Records Manager authorise it? Request proof.
B) At the same time, lodge a separate FoI request with the official
archives, asking:
7. Do they know if the documents were destroyed as reported and, if so, do
they know what was destroyed? Request a list or description.
8. Do they know who did it? Request a name.
9. Do they know who authorised it? Request another name.
10. Do they have a contact with that Agency. Request a Name.
11. Do they know why were the documents destroyed?
12. Did they authorise it? Request proof.
13. Who asked for it to be authorised? Request a name
14. Have they ever authorised any destructions by that Agency? Request
proof.
15. Do they have any reports, internal memoranda (or e-mails) on the case?
16. What documents do they have dealing with the possibility of prosecution
under the Act and, if there aren't any, request copies of any documents
dealing with the possibility of prosecution in any case at any time since
the act was passed. "
Chris's strategy and his 'useful' questions are certainly something to bear
in mind when we start to respond to our FoI requests on Tuesday Morning!
Good Luck and Best Wishes for 2005!
Paul
Dr Paul Duller
Records Management Services Director
Instant Library Ltd
The Charnwood Building
Holywell Park
Ashby Road
Loughborough
Leicestershire LE 11 3GS
Work e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Mob : 07713 189384
Work : 01509 268292
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