Fire Services Examinations Board
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act is now in force on 1st January 2005 and gives you the right to ask in writing for any information held by public bodies.
The Government's stated aim was to create a new period of openness and accountability in the public sector. It covers all public authorities, including government departments, schools, NHI trusts, police forces, fire authorities and councils.
In accordance with the Act, the FSEB has produced a Publication Scheme, which provides you with the following information:
- A list of the types of information that we publish;
- How and where this information is available; and
- Whether you can have access to the information free of charge or if there is an associated cost.
How do I find the Publication Scheme?
The Publication Scheme is available on the FSEB's website (see link below) or hard copies are available on request to the FSEB's Secretary, Mr D J Stanley.
Documents can be downloaded from the FSEB's web site - free of charge.
Requesting Information held by the FSEB
Anyone, anywhere in the world can send an information request to the FSEB. If we are unsure of what information you want, we will first ask you to clarify your request. Your request should be in writing (letter, email, fax or a request made in person). Your request must include your name,address and adequately describes the information that you are requesting.
What happens next?
We have up to 20 working days to respond to requests, but this time does not apply while we wait for further information. Should the information be unavailable or subject to a fee, you will be advised accordingly. All cheques must be cleared before we are able to recommence gathering of the requested information.
What happens if my request is refused?
In some other cases, the FSEB can choose not to provider the information. These are cases where the FSEB decides the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in releasing it.
If you are unhappy with our response, you must first complain to the FSEB and we will arrange for an independent review of the decision through an Internal Review Procedure as part of the FSEB's Ombudsman's responsibilities.
If you are still unhappy after the initial review, you can complain to the Information Commissioner http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/ who oversees public bodies performance under the Act. The Information Commissioner will decide if your request has been dealt with properly.
What about personal and private information?
Personal and private information about individuals will not be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.
Individuals have the right under the Data Protection Act, to obtain their own information held by the FSEB. In these cases a cheque for £10 should accompany such a request. Cheques should be made payable to the 'Employers Organisation for Local Government'.
Publications Scheme [PDF, 51KB]