From 835b51c1de0d49e652fe9c9a60f0974275de070c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Henare Degan Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:34:47 +1100 Subject: Rename ALL THE TEMPLATES!!1!!!one!!1!! .rhtml is deprecated in favour of .erb in Rails 3 --- app/views/help/_sidebar.html.erb | 20 ++ app/views/help/_sidebar.rhtml | 20 -- .../help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.html.erb | 3 + .../help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.rhtml | 3 - app/views/help/about.html.erb | 53 ++++ app/views/help/about.rhtml | 53 ---- app/views/help/alaveteli.html.erb | 30 +++ app/views/help/alaveteli.rhtml | 30 --- app/views/help/api.html.erb | 81 ++++++ app/views/help/api.rhtml | 81 ------ app/views/help/contact.html.erb | 97 +++++++ app/views/help/contact.rhtml | 97 ------- app/views/help/credits.html.erb | 91 +++++++ app/views/help/credits.rhtml | 91 ------- app/views/help/officers.html.erb | 247 +++++++++++++++++ app/views/help/officers.rhtml | 247 ----------------- app/views/help/privacy.html.erb | 184 +++++++++++++ app/views/help/privacy.rhtml | 184 ------------- app/views/help/requesting.html.erb | 293 +++++++++++++++++++++ app/views/help/requesting.rhtml | 293 --------------------- app/views/help/unhappy.html.erb | 110 ++++++++ app/views/help/unhappy.rhtml | 110 -------- 22 files changed, 1209 insertions(+), 1209 deletions(-) create mode 100644 app/views/help/_sidebar.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/_sidebar.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/about.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/about.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/alaveteli.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/alaveteli.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/api.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/api.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/contact.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/contact.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/credits.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/credits.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/officers.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/officers.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/privacy.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/privacy.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/requesting.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/requesting.rhtml create mode 100644 app/views/help/unhappy.html.erb delete mode 100644 app/views/help/unhappy.rhtml (limited to 'app/views/help') diff --git a/app/views/help/_sidebar.html.erb b/app/views/help/_sidebar.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..2b7ed5647 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/_sidebar.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,20 @@ +
+

Help pages

+ + +

Contact us

+

If your question isn't answered here, or you just wanted to let us know + something about the site, contact us. +

+
+ + diff --git a/app/views/help/_sidebar.rhtml b/app/views/help/_sidebar.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 2b7ed5647..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/_sidebar.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,20 +0,0 @@ -
-

Help pages

- - -

Contact us

-

If your question isn't answered here, or you just wanted to let us know - something about the site, contact us. -

-
- - diff --git a/app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.html.erb b/app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..faaa2b2e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +The law, the Ministry of Justice and the Information Commissioner all say that an email is sufficient (more details). + +At the bottom of this page, write a reply to the authority explaining this to them. diff --git a/app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.rhtml b/app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index faaa2b2e2..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/_why_they_should_reply_by_email.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3 +0,0 @@ -The law, the Ministry of Justice and the Information Commissioner all say that an email is sufficient (more details). - -At the bottom of this page, write a reply to the authority explaining this to them. diff --git a/app/views/help/about.html.erb b/app/views/help/about.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..477f0e750 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/about.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,53 @@ +<% @title = "About" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> + +
+

Introduction

+
+ +
What is WhatDoTheyKnow for? #
+
To help you find out inside information about what the UK government + is doing. +
+ +
How does the site work? #
+
You choose the public authority that you would like information from, then + write a brief note describing what you want to know. We then send your request + to the public authority. Any response they make is automatically published on the + website for you and anyone else to find and read. +
+ +
Why would I bother to do this? #
+
You pay taxes, and then government does things with the money. All sorts of + things that affect your life, from healthcare through to national defence. Some + it does badly, some it does well. The more we find out about how government + works, the better able we are to make suggestions to improve the things that + are done badly, and to celebrate the things that are done well. +
+ +
Why would the public authority bother to reply? #
+
Under Freedom of Information (FOI) law, they have to respond. The response + will either contain the information you want, or give a valid legal reason why + it must be kept confidential. +
+ +
Who makes WhatDoTheyKnow? #
+
WhatDoTheyKnow is created and run by mySociety, + and was initially funded by the JRSST Charitable Trust. mySociety is a project of the + registered charity UK Citizens Online Democracy. + If you like what we're doing, then you can + make a donation. +
+ +
How can I keep up with news about WhatDoTheyKnow?#
+
We have a blog and a twitter feed. +
+ + +
+ +

Next, read about making requests --> + +

+
diff --git a/app/views/help/about.rhtml b/app/views/help/about.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 477f0e750..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/about.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,53 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "About" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> - -
-

Introduction

-
- -
What is WhatDoTheyKnow for? #
-
To help you find out inside information about what the UK government - is doing. -
- -
How does the site work? #
-
You choose the public authority that you would like information from, then - write a brief note describing what you want to know. We then send your request - to the public authority. Any response they make is automatically published on the - website for you and anyone else to find and read. -
- -
Why would I bother to do this? #
-
You pay taxes, and then government does things with the money. All sorts of - things that affect your life, from healthcare through to national defence. Some - it does badly, some it does well. The more we find out about how government - works, the better able we are to make suggestions to improve the things that - are done badly, and to celebrate the things that are done well. -
- -
Why would the public authority bother to reply? #
-
Under Freedom of Information (FOI) law, they have to respond. The response - will either contain the information you want, or give a valid legal reason why - it must be kept confidential. -
- -
Who makes WhatDoTheyKnow? #
-
WhatDoTheyKnow is created and run by mySociety, - and was initially funded by the JRSST Charitable Trust. mySociety is a project of the - registered charity UK Citizens Online Democracy. - If you like what we're doing, then you can - make a donation. -
- -
How can I keep up with news about WhatDoTheyKnow?#
-
We have a blog and a twitter feed. -
- - -
- -

Next, read about making requests --> - -

-
diff --git a/app/views/help/alaveteli.html.erb b/app/views/help/alaveteli.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6210f9f24 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/alaveteli.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,30 @@ +<% @title = "Making requests" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> +
+ <% if params[:country_name] %> +

<%= _("Would you like to see a website like this in your country?") %>

+ <% else %> +

Powered by Alaveteli

+ <% end %> +

This website is powered by Alaveteli. Alaveteli is free software + for making Freedom of Information requests. It can easily be + translated into any language, and customised for variations of FOI + law.

+ +

The development of Alaveteli is sponsored and supported by a + number of foundations and charities who are interested in + transparency across the world.

+ +

If you would like to set up an Alaveteli website in your own + country, we can help. You will need a few days to get the site + configured and ready to use, and will then have to spend at least an + hour a week moderating and managing the site (more for busy + websites).

+ +

Read more on the Alaveteli + website, or drop us an + email.

+ + +
diff --git a/app/views/help/alaveteli.rhtml b/app/views/help/alaveteli.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 6210f9f24..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/alaveteli.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,30 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "Making requests" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> -
- <% if params[:country_name] %> -

<%= _("Would you like to see a website like this in your country?") %>

- <% else %> -

Powered by Alaveteli

- <% end %> -

This website is powered by Alaveteli. Alaveteli is free software - for making Freedom of Information requests. It can easily be - translated into any language, and customised for variations of FOI - law.

- -

The development of Alaveteli is sponsored and supported by a - number of foundations and charities who are interested in - transparency across the world.

- -

If you would like to set up an Alaveteli website in your own - country, we can help. You will need a few days to get the site - configured and ready to use, and will then have to spend at least an - hour a week moderating and managing the site (more for busy - websites).

- -

Read more on the Alaveteli - website, or drop us an - email.

- - -
diff --git a/app/views/help/api.html.erb b/app/views/help/api.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..da6253f87 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/api.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,81 @@ +<% @title = "About our API" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> + +
+

<%=@title %>

+
+
Introduction
+
+

This page explains how programmers can make other websites and software + interact with WhatDoTheyKnow via an "API". +

+ +

WhatDoTheyKnow does not have a full API yet, but we are gradually adding + lots of things that are similar in use to an API as they are requested. +

+
+ +
Linking to new requests
+
+

To encourage your users to make links to a particular public authority, use URLs of the form + <%= link_to new_request_to_body_url(:url_name => "liverpool_city_council") , new_request_to_body_url(:url_name => "liverpool_city_council") %>. + These are the parameters you can add to those URLs, either in the URL or from a form. + +

    +
  • title - default summary of the new request.
    • +
  • default_letter - default text of the body of the letter. The salutation (Dear...) and signoff (Yours...) are wrapped round this.
    • +
  • body - as an alternative to default_letter, this sets the default entire text of the request, so you can customise the salutation and signoff.
    • +
  • tags - space separated list of tags, so you can find and link up any requests made later, e.g. openlylocal spending_id:12345. The : indicates it is a machine tag. The values of machine tags may also include colons, useful for URIs. +
+
+ +
RSS (actually, Atom) feeds +
+

There are Atom feeds on most pages which list FOI requests, which you can + use to get updates and links in XML format. Find the URL of the Atom feed in + one of these ways: +

    +
  • Look for the RSS feed links.
    • +
  • Examine the <link rel="alternate" type="application/atom+xml"> tag in the head of the HTML.
    • +
  • Add /feed to the start of another URL. +
+ +

In particular, even complicated search queries have Atom feeds. + You can do all sorts of things with them, such as query by authority, by file + type, by date range, or by status. See the advanced search + tips for details. +

+ +
JSON structured data
+
+

Quite a few pages have JSON versions, which let you download information about + objects in a structured form. Find them by: +

+
    +
  • Adding .json to the end of the URL.
    • +
  • Look for the <link rel="alternate" type="application/json"> tag in the head of the HTML.
    • +
+ +

Requests, users and authorities all have JSON versions containing basic + information about them. Every Atom feed has a JSON equivalent, containing + information about the list of events in the feed. +

+
+ +
Spreadsheet of all authorities
+
+

+ A spreadsheet file listing every body in WhatDoTheyKnow is available: + <%= link_to "all-authorities.csv", all_public_bodies_csv_url() %> +

+ +
+
+ +

Please contact us if you need an API feature that isn't there yet. It's + very much a work in progress, and we do add things when people ask us to.

+ + +
+ diff --git a/app/views/help/api.rhtml b/app/views/help/api.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index da6253f87..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/api.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,81 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "About our API" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> - -
-

<%=@title %>

-
-
Introduction
-
-

This page explains how programmers can make other websites and software - interact with WhatDoTheyKnow via an "API". -

- -

WhatDoTheyKnow does not have a full API yet, but we are gradually adding - lots of things that are similar in use to an API as they are requested. -

-
- -
Linking to new requests
-
-

To encourage your users to make links to a particular public authority, use URLs of the form - <%= link_to new_request_to_body_url(:url_name => "liverpool_city_council") , new_request_to_body_url(:url_name => "liverpool_city_council") %>. - These are the parameters you can add to those URLs, either in the URL or from a form. - -

    -
  • title - default summary of the new request.
    • -
  • default_letter - default text of the body of the letter. The salutation (Dear...) and signoff (Yours...) are wrapped round this.
    • -
  • body - as an alternative to default_letter, this sets the default entire text of the request, so you can customise the salutation and signoff.
    • -
  • tags - space separated list of tags, so you can find and link up any requests made later, e.g. openlylocal spending_id:12345. The : indicates it is a machine tag. The values of machine tags may also include colons, useful for URIs. -
-
- -
RSS (actually, Atom) feeds -
-

There are Atom feeds on most pages which list FOI requests, which you can - use to get updates and links in XML format. Find the URL of the Atom feed in - one of these ways: -

    -
  • Look for the RSS feed links.
    • -
  • Examine the <link rel="alternate" type="application/atom+xml"> tag in the head of the HTML.
    • -
  • Add /feed to the start of another URL. -
- -

In particular, even complicated search queries have Atom feeds. - You can do all sorts of things with them, such as query by authority, by file - type, by date range, or by status. See the advanced search - tips for details. -

- -
JSON structured data
-
-

Quite a few pages have JSON versions, which let you download information about - objects in a structured form. Find them by: -

-
    -
  • Adding .json to the end of the URL.
    • -
  • Look for the <link rel="alternate" type="application/json"> tag in the head of the HTML.
    • -
- -

Requests, users and authorities all have JSON versions containing basic - information about them. Every Atom feed has a JSON equivalent, containing - information about the list of events in the feed. -

-
- -
Spreadsheet of all authorities
-
-

- A spreadsheet file listing every body in WhatDoTheyKnow is available: - <%= link_to "all-authorities.csv", all_public_bodies_csv_url() %> -

- -
-
- -

Please contact us if you need an API feature that isn't there yet. It's - very much a work in progress, and we do add things when people ask us to.

- - -
- diff --git a/app/views/help/contact.html.erb b/app/views/help/contact.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..0c245ace7 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/contact.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +<% @title = "Contact us" %> + +<%= foi_error_messages_for :contact %> + +

<%= @title %>

+ +
+ + <% if !flash[:notice] %> +

Contact an authority to get official information

+ + + <% end %> + +

Contact the <%= site_name %> team

+ <% if !flash[:notice] %> + + <% end %> +
+ +<%= form_for :contact do |f| %> + + <% if not @user %> +

+ + <%= f.text_field :name, :size => 20 %> + (or <%= link_to "sign in", signin_url(:r => request.fullpath) %>) +

+ +

+ + <%= f.text_field :email, :size => 20 %> +

+ <% end %> + +

+ + <%= f.text_field :subject, :size => 50 %> +

+ +

+ + <%= f.text_area :message, :rows => 10, :cols => 60 %> +

+ + <% if !@last_request.nil? %> +

+ + <%=request_link(@last_request) %> + <%= submit_tag "remove", :name => 'remove' %> +

+ <% end %> + <% if !@last_body.nil? %> +

+ + <%=public_body_link(@last_body) %> + <%= submit_tag "remove", :name => 'remove' %> +

+ <% end %> + +

+ We can only help you with technical problems, or questions + about Freedom of Information. +

+ + +
+ <%= hidden_field_tag(:submitted_contact_form, 1) %> + <%= submit_tag "Send message to the charity" %> + <-- we run this site, not the Government! +
+ +<% end %> + + diff --git a/app/views/help/contact.rhtml b/app/views/help/contact.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 0c245ace7..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/contact.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,97 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "Contact us" %> - -<%= foi_error_messages_for :contact %> - -

<%= @title %>

- -
- - <% if !flash[:notice] %> -

Contact an authority to get official information

- - - <% end %> - -

Contact the <%= site_name %> team

- <% if !flash[:notice] %> - - <% end %> -
- -<%= form_for :contact do |f| %> - - <% if not @user %> -

- - <%= f.text_field :name, :size => 20 %> - (or <%= link_to "sign in", signin_url(:r => request.fullpath) %>) -

- -

- - <%= f.text_field :email, :size => 20 %> -

- <% end %> - -

- - <%= f.text_field :subject, :size => 50 %> -

- -

- - <%= f.text_area :message, :rows => 10, :cols => 60 %> -

- - <% if !@last_request.nil? %> -

- - <%=request_link(@last_request) %> - <%= submit_tag "remove", :name => 'remove' %> -

- <% end %> - <% if !@last_body.nil? %> -

- - <%=public_body_link(@last_body) %> - <%= submit_tag "remove", :name => 'remove' %> -

- <% end %> - -

- We can only help you with technical problems, or questions - about Freedom of Information. -

- - -
- <%= hidden_field_tag(:submitted_contact_form, 1) %> - <%= submit_tag "Send message to the charity" %> - <-- we run this site, not the Government! -
- -<% end %> - - diff --git a/app/views/help/credits.html.erb b/app/views/help/credits.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..02f1e40e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/credits.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,91 @@ +<% @title = "Credit where credit's due" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> + +
+

<%= @title%>

+ +
+
Who made WhatDoTheyKnow? #
+
Oh, nearly everyone (and maybe you too)! +
    +
  • + Heather Brooke + (vampy!) has + been pushing the idea of a UK FOI archive for years now. +
    • +
  • + Both Phil Rodgers and Francis Irving + entered it in a mySociety competition for ideas for public interest websites to build. +
    • +
  • + It won, + and then Chris Lightfoot (RIP :() + thought up the wheeze of intercepting email responses to requests and + automatically publishing them. +
    • +
  • + Tom Steinberg got the cash to pay for the site from + a dead chocolate mogul (thank you!) ... +
    • +
  • + ... so that Francis Irving, Angie Ahl, Tommy Martin, Louise Crow, Matthew Somerville + and Tom Steinberg could do the complex mixture of design and coding to build + what you see today. +
    • +
  • + Thanks particularly to Julian Todd (great blog!), + Francis Davey, and Etienne Pollard for using the site early on and giving + feedback (and/or legal advice!), and also to all our other users and + testers. +
    • +
  • + The amazing team of volunteers who run the site, answer your support + emails, maintain the database of public authorities and + so much more. + Thanks to John Cross, Ben Harris, Adam McGreggor, Alex Skene, + Richard Taylor. +
    • +
  • + Volunteers who have provided patches to the code - thanks Peter Collingbourne + and Tony Bowden. +
    • +
  • + Everyone who has helped look up FOI email addresses. +
    • +
  • + We couldn't do any of this without those + crazy people who volunteer, + amongst many other things, to do the accounts and fill in our VAT return. +
    • +
  • + Finally, all the officers and servants who have answered the many requests + made through the site. Their diligence, patience and professionalism is + what has actually made the information that you see here. Thank them for + helping make Government more transparent. +
    • +
+ You're all stars. +
+ +
Can I help out? #
+
+

Yes please! We're built out of our supporters and volunteers.

+
    +
  • You can make a donation. We're a registered charity.
    • +
  • Help people find successful requests, and monitor performance of authorities, by + playing the categorisation game.
    • +
  • Find out FOI email addresses of authorities that we're missing.
    • +
  • Write a blog post about either WhatDoTheyKnow or an interesting request that you've + found. Post about it on a forum that you frequent. Tell friends about it.
  • If you're + a programmer, get the source code for our parent project, Alaveteli + and tell us about patches we can pull. It's made in Ruby on Rails. +
  • Read more about volunteering with mySociety. +
+
+
+ + +
+ + diff --git a/app/views/help/credits.rhtml b/app/views/help/credits.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 02f1e40e8..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/credits.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,91 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "Credit where credit's due" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> - -
-

<%= @title%>

- -
-
Who made WhatDoTheyKnow? #
-
Oh, nearly everyone (and maybe you too)! -
    -
  • - Heather Brooke - (vampy!) has - been pushing the idea of a UK FOI archive for years now. -
    • -
  • - Both Phil Rodgers and Francis Irving - entered it in a mySociety competition for ideas for public interest websites to build. -
    • -
  • - It won, - and then Chris Lightfoot (RIP :() - thought up the wheeze of intercepting email responses to requests and - automatically publishing them. -
    • -
  • - Tom Steinberg got the cash to pay for the site from - a dead chocolate mogul (thank you!) ... -
    • -
  • - ... so that Francis Irving, Angie Ahl, Tommy Martin, Louise Crow, Matthew Somerville - and Tom Steinberg could do the complex mixture of design and coding to build - what you see today. -
    • -
  • - Thanks particularly to Julian Todd (great blog!), - Francis Davey, and Etienne Pollard for using the site early on and giving - feedback (and/or legal advice!), and also to all our other users and - testers. -
    • -
  • - The amazing team of volunteers who run the site, answer your support - emails, maintain the database of public authorities and - so much more. - Thanks to John Cross, Ben Harris, Adam McGreggor, Alex Skene, - Richard Taylor. -
    • -
  • - Volunteers who have provided patches to the code - thanks Peter Collingbourne - and Tony Bowden. -
    • -
  • - Everyone who has helped look up FOI email addresses. -
    • -
  • - We couldn't do any of this without those - crazy people who volunteer, - amongst many other things, to do the accounts and fill in our VAT return. -
    • -
  • - Finally, all the officers and servants who have answered the many requests - made through the site. Their diligence, patience and professionalism is - what has actually made the information that you see here. Thank them for - helping make Government more transparent. -
    • -
- You're all stars. -
- -
Can I help out? #
-
-

Yes please! We're built out of our supporters and volunteers.

-
    -
  • You can make a donation. We're a registered charity.
    • -
  • Help people find successful requests, and monitor performance of authorities, by - playing the categorisation game.
    • -
  • Find out FOI email addresses of authorities that we're missing.
    • -
  • Write a blog post about either WhatDoTheyKnow or an interesting request that you've - found. Post about it on a forum that you frequent. Tell friends about it.
  • If you're - a programmer, get the source code for our parent project, Alaveteli - and tell us about patches we can pull. It's made in Ruby on Rails. -
  • Read more about volunteering with mySociety. -
-
-
- - -
- - diff --git a/app/views/help/officers.html.erb b/app/views/help/officers.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..b13e225fe --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/officers.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,247 @@ +<% @title = "FOI officer questions" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> + +
+

<%= @title %> #

+ +
+ +
I just got here from bottom of an FOI request, what is going on? #
+ +

WhatDoTheyKnow is a service run by a charity. It helps ordinary members + of the public make FOI requests, and easily track and share the responses.

+ +

The FOI request you received was made by someone using WhatDoTheyKnow. You can + simply reply to the request as you would any other request from an individual. + The only difference is that your response will be automatically published on + the Internet. +

+

If you have privacy or other concerns, please read the answers below. + You might also like to read the introduction to WhatDoTheyKnow to find out more about what + the site does from the point of view of a user. You can also search the + site to find the authority that you work for, and view the status of + any requests made using the site. + +

Finally, we welcome comments and + thoughts from FOI officers, please get in touch. +

+
+ +
Why are you publishing responses to FOI requests? #
+ +
We think there are lots of benefits. Most importantly it will encourage the + public to be more interested and involved in the work of government. We + also hope that it will reduce the number of duplicate requests on any + subject that a public body will receive. Given that Freedom of Information + responses contain public information, which anybody could easily request + again from the public authority, we think there should be no reason not to + publish it widely. +
+ +
Are the people making requests real people? #
+ +
Yes. For the purposes of keeping track of responses we use + computer-generated email addresses for each request. However, before + they can send a request, each user must register on the site with a + unique email address that we then verify. You can search this site and + find a page listing all requests that each person has made. +
+ +
An email isn't a sufficient address for an FOI request! #
+ +
Yes it is. This + letter from the ICO to Rother District Council gives guidance on the matter, specifically + in the context of requests made via WhatDoTheyKnow. +
+ +
Aren't you making lots of vexatious requests? #
+ +

WhatDoTheyKnow is not making any requests. We are sending requests on + behalf of our users, who are real people making the requests.

+

Look at it like this - if lots of different people made requests from + different Hotmail email addresses, then you would not think that Microsoft were + making vexatious requests. It is exactly the same if lots of requests are made + via WhatDoTheyKnow. Moreover, since all requests are public it is much easier + for you to see if one of our users is making vexatious requests.

+

If that isn't enough for you, the + letter from the ICO to Rother District Council gives some guidance on the matter.

+
+ +
I can see a request on WhatDoTheyKnow, but we never got it by email!#
+ +

If a request appears on the site, then we have attempted to send it to + the authority by email. Any delivery failure messages will automatically + appear on the site. You can check the address we're using with the "View FOI + email address" link which appears on the page for the authority. Contact us if there is a better address we can + use.

+

Requests are sometimes not delivered because they are quietly removed by + "spam filters" in the IT department of the authority. Authorities can make + sure this doesn't happen by asking their IT departments to "whitelist" + any email from @whatdotheyknow.com. + If you ask us we will resend any request, + and/or give technical details of delivery so an IT department can chase + up what happened to the message. +

+

Finally, you can respond to any request from your web browser, without + needing any email, using the "respond to request" link at the bottom of + each request page. +

+ +
How do you calculate the deadline shown on request pages?#
+ +
+

The Freedom of Information Act says:

+ +

A public authority must comply with section 1(1) promptly and + in any event not later than the twentieth working day following the date of + receipt.

+ +

The nerdy detail of exactly how weekends are counted, and what happens if + the request arrives out of office hours, is just that - detail. What matters + here is that the law says authorities must respond promptly.

+ +

If you've got a good reason why the request is going to take a while to + process, requesters find it really helpful if you can send a quick email with a + sentence or two saying what is happening.

+ +

FOI officers often have to do a lot of hard work to answer + requests, and this is hidden from the public. We think it would help everyone + to have more of that complexity visible.

+ +
+ +
But really, how do you calculate the deadline?#
+ +
+ +

Please read the answer to the previous question first. Legally, authorities + must respond promptly to FOI requests. If they fail to do that, + it is best if they show the hard work they are doing by explaining what is + taking the extra time to do. +

+ +

That said, WhatDoTheyKnow does show the maximum legal deadline + for response on each request. Here's how we calculate it.

+ +
    + +
  • If the day we deliver the request by email is a working day, we count that + as "day zero", even if it was delivered late in the evening. Days end at + midnight. We then count the next working day as "day one", and so on up to + 20 working days.
    • + +
  • If the day the request email was delivered was a non-working day, we count + the next working day as "day one". Delivery is delivery, even if it happened on + the weekend. Some authorities disagree with this, our lawyer disagrees with them.
    • + +
  • Requesters are encouraged to mark when they have clarified + their request so the clock resets, but sometimes they get this wrong. If you + see a problem with a particular request, let us know and we'll fix it.
    • +
+ +

The date thus calculated is shown on requests with the text "By law, + Liverpool City Council should normally have responded by...". There is only + one case which is not normal, see the next question about + public interest test time extensions. +

+ +

Schools are also a special case, which WhatDoTheyKnow displays differently. +

+ +
    +
  • Since June 2009, schools have "20 working days + disregarding any working day which is not a school day, or 60 working days, + whichever is first" (FOI (Time for Compliance with Request) Regulations 2009). WhatDoTheyKnow indicates on requests to schools that the 20 day deadline is only + during term time, and shows them as definitely overdue after 60 working days +
    • +
+ +

If you're getting really nerdy about all this, read the detailed ICO guidance. + Meanwhile, remember that the law says authorities must respond + promptly. That's really what matters.

+ +
+ +
How do you reflect time extensions for public interest tests?#
+ +
+ +

The Freedom of Information Act lets authorities claim an indefinite time + extension when applying a public interest test. Information + Commissioner guidance says that it should only be used in "exceptionally + complex" cases + (FOI Good Practice Guidance No. 4). + WhatDoTheyKnow doesn't specifically handle this case, which is why we use the + phrase "should normally have responded by" when the 20 working day time is + exceeded. +

+ +

The same guidance says that, even in exceptionally complex cases, no + Freedom of Information request should take more than 40 working days + to answer. WhatDoTheyKnow displays requests which are overdue by that much + with stronger wording to indicate they are definitely late. +

+ +

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act does not allow such a public + interest extension. WhatDoTheyKnow would like to see the law changed to either + remove the extension from the UK Act, or to reintroduce an absolute time limit + of 40 working days even with the extension (the House of Lords voted + to remove provision for such a time limit during the initial passage + of the UK Act through Parliament). +

+
+ +
How can I send a large file, which won't go by email?#
+ +
Instead of email, you can respond to a request directly from your web + browser, including uploading a file. To do this, choose "respond to request" at + the bottom of the request's page. Contact us if it + is too big for even that (more than, say, 50Mb). +
+ +
Why do you publish the names of civil servants and the text of emails? #
+ +
We consider what officers or servants do in the course of their employment + to be public information. We will only remove content in exceptional + circumstances, see our take down policy. +
+ +
Do you publish email addresses or mobile phone numbers? #
+ +

To prevent spam, we automatically remove most emails and some mobile numbers from + responses to requests. Please contact us if we've + missed one. + For technical reasons we don't always remove them from attachments, such as certain PDFs.

+

If you need to know what an address was that we've removed, please get in touch with us. Occasionally, an email address + forms an important part of a response and we will post it up in an obscured + form in an annotation. +

+ + + +
Our Freedom of Information law is "applicant blind", so anyone in the + world can request the same document and get a copy of it. + + If you think our making a document available on the internet infringes your + copyright, you may contact us and ask us + to take it down. However, to save tax payers' money by preventing duplicate + requests, and for good public relations, we'd advise you not to do that. +
+ +
+ + + + +

If you haven't already, read the introduction --> +
Otherwise, the credits or the programmers API --> + +

+
+ + diff --git a/app/views/help/officers.rhtml b/app/views/help/officers.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index b13e225fe..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/officers.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,247 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "FOI officer questions" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> - -
-

<%= @title %> #

- -
- -
I just got here from bottom of an FOI request, what is going on? #
- -

WhatDoTheyKnow is a service run by a charity. It helps ordinary members - of the public make FOI requests, and easily track and share the responses.

- -

The FOI request you received was made by someone using WhatDoTheyKnow. You can - simply reply to the request as you would any other request from an individual. - The only difference is that your response will be automatically published on - the Internet. -

-

If you have privacy or other concerns, please read the answers below. - You might also like to read the introduction to WhatDoTheyKnow to find out more about what - the site does from the point of view of a user. You can also search the - site to find the authority that you work for, and view the status of - any requests made using the site. - -

Finally, we welcome comments and - thoughts from FOI officers, please get in touch. -

-
- -
Why are you publishing responses to FOI requests? #
- -
We think there are lots of benefits. Most importantly it will encourage the - public to be more interested and involved in the work of government. We - also hope that it will reduce the number of duplicate requests on any - subject that a public body will receive. Given that Freedom of Information - responses contain public information, which anybody could easily request - again from the public authority, we think there should be no reason not to - publish it widely. -
- -
Are the people making requests real people? #
- -
Yes. For the purposes of keeping track of responses we use - computer-generated email addresses for each request. However, before - they can send a request, each user must register on the site with a - unique email address that we then verify. You can search this site and - find a page listing all requests that each person has made. -
- -
An email isn't a sufficient address for an FOI request! #
- -
Yes it is. This - letter from the ICO to Rother District Council gives guidance on the matter, specifically - in the context of requests made via WhatDoTheyKnow. -
- -
Aren't you making lots of vexatious requests? #
- -

WhatDoTheyKnow is not making any requests. We are sending requests on - behalf of our users, who are real people making the requests.

-

Look at it like this - if lots of different people made requests from - different Hotmail email addresses, then you would not think that Microsoft were - making vexatious requests. It is exactly the same if lots of requests are made - via WhatDoTheyKnow. Moreover, since all requests are public it is much easier - for you to see if one of our users is making vexatious requests.

-

If that isn't enough for you, the - letter from the ICO to Rother District Council gives some guidance on the matter.

-
- -
I can see a request on WhatDoTheyKnow, but we never got it by email!#
- -

If a request appears on the site, then we have attempted to send it to - the authority by email. Any delivery failure messages will automatically - appear on the site. You can check the address we're using with the "View FOI - email address" link which appears on the page for the authority. Contact us if there is a better address we can - use.

-

Requests are sometimes not delivered because they are quietly removed by - "spam filters" in the IT department of the authority. Authorities can make - sure this doesn't happen by asking their IT departments to "whitelist" - any email from @whatdotheyknow.com. - If you ask us we will resend any request, - and/or give technical details of delivery so an IT department can chase - up what happened to the message. -

-

Finally, you can respond to any request from your web browser, without - needing any email, using the "respond to request" link at the bottom of - each request page. -

- -
How do you calculate the deadline shown on request pages?#
- -
-

The Freedom of Information Act says:

- -

A public authority must comply with section 1(1) promptly and - in any event not later than the twentieth working day following the date of - receipt.

- -

The nerdy detail of exactly how weekends are counted, and what happens if - the request arrives out of office hours, is just that - detail. What matters - here is that the law says authorities must respond promptly.

- -

If you've got a good reason why the request is going to take a while to - process, requesters find it really helpful if you can send a quick email with a - sentence or two saying what is happening.

- -

FOI officers often have to do a lot of hard work to answer - requests, and this is hidden from the public. We think it would help everyone - to have more of that complexity visible.

- -
- -
But really, how do you calculate the deadline?#
- -
- -

Please read the answer to the previous question first. Legally, authorities - must respond promptly to FOI requests. If they fail to do that, - it is best if they show the hard work they are doing by explaining what is - taking the extra time to do. -

- -

That said, WhatDoTheyKnow does show the maximum legal deadline - for response on each request. Here's how we calculate it.

- -
    - -
  • If the day we deliver the request by email is a working day, we count that - as "day zero", even if it was delivered late in the evening. Days end at - midnight. We then count the next working day as "day one", and so on up to - 20 working days.
    • - -
  • If the day the request email was delivered was a non-working day, we count - the next working day as "day one". Delivery is delivery, even if it happened on - the weekend. Some authorities disagree with this, our lawyer disagrees with them.
    • - -
  • Requesters are encouraged to mark when they have clarified - their request so the clock resets, but sometimes they get this wrong. If you - see a problem with a particular request, let us know and we'll fix it.
    • -
- -

The date thus calculated is shown on requests with the text "By law, - Liverpool City Council should normally have responded by...". There is only - one case which is not normal, see the next question about - public interest test time extensions. -

- -

Schools are also a special case, which WhatDoTheyKnow displays differently. -

- -
    -
  • Since June 2009, schools have "20 working days - disregarding any working day which is not a school day, or 60 working days, - whichever is first" (FOI (Time for Compliance with Request) Regulations 2009). WhatDoTheyKnow indicates on requests to schools that the 20 day deadline is only - during term time, and shows them as definitely overdue after 60 working days -
    • -
- -

If you're getting really nerdy about all this, read the detailed ICO guidance. - Meanwhile, remember that the law says authorities must respond - promptly. That's really what matters.

- -
- -
How do you reflect time extensions for public interest tests?#
- -
- -

The Freedom of Information Act lets authorities claim an indefinite time - extension when applying a public interest test. Information - Commissioner guidance says that it should only be used in "exceptionally - complex" cases - (FOI Good Practice Guidance No. 4). - WhatDoTheyKnow doesn't specifically handle this case, which is why we use the - phrase "should normally have responded by" when the 20 working day time is - exceeded. -

- -

The same guidance says that, even in exceptionally complex cases, no - Freedom of Information request should take more than 40 working days - to answer. WhatDoTheyKnow displays requests which are overdue by that much - with stronger wording to indicate they are definitely late. -

- -

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act does not allow such a public - interest extension. WhatDoTheyKnow would like to see the law changed to either - remove the extension from the UK Act, or to reintroduce an absolute time limit - of 40 working days even with the extension (the House of Lords voted - to remove provision for such a time limit during the initial passage - of the UK Act through Parliament). -

-
- -
How can I send a large file, which won't go by email?#
- -
Instead of email, you can respond to a request directly from your web - browser, including uploading a file. To do this, choose "respond to request" at - the bottom of the request's page. Contact us if it - is too big for even that (more than, say, 50Mb). -
- -
Why do you publish the names of civil servants and the text of emails? #
- -
We consider what officers or servants do in the course of their employment - to be public information. We will only remove content in exceptional - circumstances, see our take down policy. -
- -
Do you publish email addresses or mobile phone numbers? #
- -

To prevent spam, we automatically remove most emails and some mobile numbers from - responses to requests. Please contact us if we've - missed one. - For technical reasons we don't always remove them from attachments, such as certain PDFs.

-

If you need to know what an address was that we've removed, please get in touch with us. Occasionally, an email address - forms an important part of a response and we will post it up in an obscured - form in an annotation. -

- - - -
Our Freedom of Information law is "applicant blind", so anyone in the - world can request the same document and get a copy of it. - - If you think our making a document available on the internet infringes your - copyright, you may contact us and ask us - to take it down. However, to save tax payers' money by preventing duplicate - requests, and for good public relations, we'd advise you not to do that. -
- -
- - - - -

If you haven't already, read the introduction --> -
Otherwise, the credits or the programmers API --> - -

-
- - diff --git a/app/views/help/privacy.html.erb b/app/views/help/privacy.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..8e5293892 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/privacy.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,184 @@ +<% @title = "Your privacy" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> + +
+

<%= @title %>

+
+ +
Who gets to see my email address? #
+ +

We will not disclose your email address to anyone unless we are obliged to by law, + or you ask us to. This includes the public authority that you are sending a + request to. They only get to see an email address + @whatdotheyknow.com which is specific to that request.

+

If you send a message to another user on the site, then it will reveal your + email address to them. You will be told that this is going to happen.

+
+ +
Will you send nasty, brutish spam to my email address? #
+
Nope. After you sign up to WhatDoTheyKnow we will only send you emails + relating to a request you made, an email alert that you have signed up for, + or for other reasons that you specifically authorise. We will never give or + sell your email addresses to anyone else, unless we are obliged to by law, or + you ask us to. +
+ +
Why will my name and my request appear publicly on the site? #
+ +
+

We publish your request on the Internet so that anybody can read it and + make use of the information that you have found. We do not normally delete + requests (more details). +

+

+ Your name is tangled up with your request, so has to be published as well. + It is only fair, as we're going to publish the name of the civil servant who + writes the response to your request. Using your real name also helps people + get in touch with you to assist you with your research or to campaign with you. +

+

By law, you must use your real name for the request to be a valid Freedom of + Information request. See the next question for alternatives if you do not want + to publish your full name. +

+
+ +
Can I make an FOI request using a pseudonym? #
+ + +
+

Technically, you must use your real name for your request to be a valid Freedom of Information request in law. See this + guidance from the Information Commissioner (January 2009). +

+ +

However, the same guidance also says it is good practice for the public +authority to still consider a request made using an obvious pseudonym. +You should refer to this if a public authority refuses a request because you +used a pseudonym.

+ +

Be careful though, even if the authority follows this good practice, the +pseudonym will probably make it impossible for you to complain to the +Information Commissioner later about the handling of your request. +

+ +

There are several good alternatives to using a pseudonym.

+ +
    +
  • Use a different form of your name. The guidance says +that "Mr Arthur Thomas Roberts" can make a valid request as "Arthur Roberts", +"A. T. Roberts", or "Mr Roberts", but not as "Arthur" or "A.T.R.". +
    • +
  • Women may use their maiden name.
    • +
  • In most cases, you may use any name by which you are "widely known and/or +is regularly used". +
  • Use the name of an organisation, the name of a company, the trading name of +a company, or the trading name of a sole trader. +
  • Ask someone else to make the request on your behalf. +
  • You may, if you are really stuck, ask us to make the request on +your behalf. Please contact us with +a good reason why you cannot make the request yourself and cannot +ask a friend to. We don't have the resources to do this for everyone. +
+ +

Please do not try to impersonate someone else.

+ +
+ +
They've asked for my postal address! #
+ +
+

If a public authority asks you for your full, physical address, reply to them saying +that section 8.1.b of the FOI Act asks for an "address for correspondence", +and that the email address you are using is sufficient. +

+

+The Ministry of Justice has guidance +on this – +"As well as hard copy written correspondence, requests that are +transmitted electronically (for example, in emails) are acceptable +... If a request is received by email and no postal address is given, the email +address should be treated as the return address." + +

+

As if that isn't enough, the Information Commissioner's +Hints for Practitioners say +"Any correspondence could include a request for information. If it is written (this includes e-mail), legible, gives the name of the applicant, an address for reply (which could be electronic), and includes a description of the information required, then it will fall within the scope of the legislation." +

+
+ +
No no, they need a postal address to send a paper response! #
+ +
+

If an authority only has a paper copy of the information that you want, +they may ask you for a postal address. To start with, try persuading them +to scan in the documents for you. You can even offer to gift them a scanner, which in that particular case +embarrassed the authority into finding one they had already.

+ +

If that doesn't work, and you want to provide your postal address privately +in order to receive the documents, mark your request as "They are going to reply by post", and it will +give you an email address to use for that purpose.

+
+ +
Can you delete my requests, or alter my name? #
+ +
+ +

<%= site_name %> is a permanent, public archive of Freedom of +Information requests. Even though you may not find the response to +a request useful any more, it may be of interest to others. For this +reason, we will not delete requests. +

+ +

Under exceptional circumstances we may remove or change your name +on the website, see the next question. +Similarly, we may also remove other personal information. +

+ +

If you're worried about this before you make your request, +see the section on pseudonyms.

+ +
+ +
Can you take down personal information about me? #
+ +
+ +

If you see any personal information about you on the site which you'd like +us to remove or hide, then please let us know. +Specify exactly what information you believe to be problematic and why, and +where it appears on the site.

+ +

If it is sensitive personal information that has been accidentally +posted, then we will usually remove it. Normally we will only consider +requests to remove personal information which come from the individual +concerned, but for sensitive information we would appreciate anyone +pointing out anything they see.

+ +

We consider that there is a strong public interest in +retaining the names of officers or servants of public authorities. We will only +remove such names in exceptional circumstances, such as where the disclosure of +a name and position of employment would substantially risk an individual's +safety. If you are such an official and you wish to have your name removed for +such an urgent reason, you must supply us with a request to do so from your +line manager. This request must demonstrate that a risk has been perceived +which outweighs the public interest, and must demonstrate that efforts have +been made to conceal the name on the organisation's own website.

+ +

For all other requests we apply a public interest test to decide +whether information should be removed. + Section 32 +of the Data Protection Act 1998 permits us to do this, as the material we +publish is journalistic. We cannot easily edit many types of attachments (such +as PDFs, or Microsoft Word or Excel files), so we will usually ask +that authorities resend these with the personal information removed.

+ +
+ + +
+ +

Learn more from the help for FOI officers --> + +

+
+ diff --git a/app/views/help/privacy.rhtml b/app/views/help/privacy.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 8e5293892..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/privacy.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,184 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "Your privacy" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> - -
-

<%= @title %>

-
- -
Who gets to see my email address? #
- -

We will not disclose your email address to anyone unless we are obliged to by law, - or you ask us to. This includes the public authority that you are sending a - request to. They only get to see an email address - @whatdotheyknow.com which is specific to that request.

-

If you send a message to another user on the site, then it will reveal your - email address to them. You will be told that this is going to happen.

-
- -
Will you send nasty, brutish spam to my email address? #
-
Nope. After you sign up to WhatDoTheyKnow we will only send you emails - relating to a request you made, an email alert that you have signed up for, - or for other reasons that you specifically authorise. We will never give or - sell your email addresses to anyone else, unless we are obliged to by law, or - you ask us to. -
- -
Why will my name and my request appear publicly on the site? #
- -
-

We publish your request on the Internet so that anybody can read it and - make use of the information that you have found. We do not normally delete - requests (more details). -

-

- Your name is tangled up with your request, so has to be published as well. - It is only fair, as we're going to publish the name of the civil servant who - writes the response to your request. Using your real name also helps people - get in touch with you to assist you with your research or to campaign with you. -

-

By law, you must use your real name for the request to be a valid Freedom of - Information request. See the next question for alternatives if you do not want - to publish your full name. -

-
- -
Can I make an FOI request using a pseudonym? #
- - -
-

Technically, you must use your real name for your request to be a valid Freedom of Information request in law. See this - guidance from the Information Commissioner (January 2009). -

- -

However, the same guidance also says it is good practice for the public -authority to still consider a request made using an obvious pseudonym. -You should refer to this if a public authority refuses a request because you -used a pseudonym.

- -

Be careful though, even if the authority follows this good practice, the -pseudonym will probably make it impossible for you to complain to the -Information Commissioner later about the handling of your request. -

- -

There are several good alternatives to using a pseudonym.

- -
    -
  • Use a different form of your name. The guidance says -that "Mr Arthur Thomas Roberts" can make a valid request as "Arthur Roberts", -"A. T. Roberts", or "Mr Roberts", but not as "Arthur" or "A.T.R.". -
    • -
  • Women may use their maiden name.
    • -
  • In most cases, you may use any name by which you are "widely known and/or -is regularly used". -
  • Use the name of an organisation, the name of a company, the trading name of -a company, or the trading name of a sole trader. -
  • Ask someone else to make the request on your behalf. -
  • You may, if you are really stuck, ask us to make the request on -your behalf. Please contact us with -a good reason why you cannot make the request yourself and cannot -ask a friend to. We don't have the resources to do this for everyone. -
- -

Please do not try to impersonate someone else.

- -
- -
They've asked for my postal address! #
- -
-

If a public authority asks you for your full, physical address, reply to them saying -that section 8.1.b of the FOI Act asks for an "address for correspondence", -and that the email address you are using is sufficient. -

-

-The Ministry of Justice has guidance -on this – -"As well as hard copy written correspondence, requests that are -transmitted electronically (for example, in emails) are acceptable -... If a request is received by email and no postal address is given, the email -address should be treated as the return address." - -

-

As if that isn't enough, the Information Commissioner's -Hints for Practitioners say -"Any correspondence could include a request for information. If it is written (this includes e-mail), legible, gives the name of the applicant, an address for reply (which could be electronic), and includes a description of the information required, then it will fall within the scope of the legislation." -

-
- -
No no, they need a postal address to send a paper response! #
- -
-

If an authority only has a paper copy of the information that you want, -they may ask you for a postal address. To start with, try persuading them -to scan in the documents for you. You can even offer to gift them a scanner, which in that particular case -embarrassed the authority into finding one they had already.

- -

If that doesn't work, and you want to provide your postal address privately -in order to receive the documents, mark your request as "They are going to reply by post", and it will -give you an email address to use for that purpose.

-
- -
Can you delete my requests, or alter my name? #
- -
- -

<%= site_name %> is a permanent, public archive of Freedom of -Information requests. Even though you may not find the response to -a request useful any more, it may be of interest to others. For this -reason, we will not delete requests. -

- -

Under exceptional circumstances we may remove or change your name -on the website, see the next question. -Similarly, we may also remove other personal information. -

- -

If you're worried about this before you make your request, -see the section on pseudonyms.

- -
- -
Can you take down personal information about me? #
- -
- -

If you see any personal information about you on the site which you'd like -us to remove or hide, then please let us know. -Specify exactly what information you believe to be problematic and why, and -where it appears on the site.

- -

If it is sensitive personal information that has been accidentally -posted, then we will usually remove it. Normally we will only consider -requests to remove personal information which come from the individual -concerned, but for sensitive information we would appreciate anyone -pointing out anything they see.

- -

We consider that there is a strong public interest in -retaining the names of officers or servants of public authorities. We will only -remove such names in exceptional circumstances, such as where the disclosure of -a name and position of employment would substantially risk an individual's -safety. If you are such an official and you wish to have your name removed for -such an urgent reason, you must supply us with a request to do so from your -line manager. This request must demonstrate that a risk has been perceived -which outweighs the public interest, and must demonstrate that efforts have -been made to conceal the name on the organisation's own website.

- -

For all other requests we apply a public interest test to decide -whether information should be removed. - Section 32 -of the Data Protection Act 1998 permits us to do this, as the material we -publish is journalistic. We cannot easily edit many types of attachments (such -as PDFs, or Microsoft Word or Excel files), so we will usually ask -that authorities resend these with the personal information removed.

- -
- - -
- -

Learn more from the help for FOI officers --> - -

-
- diff --git a/app/views/help/requesting.html.erb b/app/views/help/requesting.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e7cfdd199 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/requesting.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,293 @@ +<% @title = "Making requests" %> + +<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> +
+

<%= @title %>

+
+ +
I'm not sure which authority to make my request to, how can I find out? #
+ +
+

It can be hard to untangle government's complicated structured, and work out + who knows the information that you want. Here are a few tips: +

    +
  • Browse or search WhatDoTheyKnow looking for similar requests to yours.
    • +
  • When you've found an authority you think might have the information, use + the "home page" link on the right hand side of their page to check what they do + on their website.
    • +
  • Contact the authority by phone or email to ask if they hold the kind of + information you're after.
    • +
  • Don't worry excessively about getting the right authority. If you get it + wrong, they ought to advise you who to make the request to instead. +
    • +
  • If you've got a thorny case, please contact us for help.
    • +
+ +
+ + + +
You're missing the public authority that I want to request from! #
+ +
+

Please contact us with the name of the public authority and, + if you can find it, their contact email address for Freedom of Information requests. +

+

If you'd like to help add a whole category of public authority to the site, we'd love + to hear from you too. +

+ +
+ +
Why do you include some authorities that aren't formally subject to FOI?#
+ +
+

WhatDoTheyKnow lets you make requests for information to a range of + organisations:

+ +
    +
  • Those formally subject to the FOI Act
    • +
  • Those formally subject to the Environmental Regulations (a less well + defined group)
    • +
  • Those which voluntarily comply with the FOI Act
    • +
  • Those which aren't subject to the Act but we think should be, on grounds + such as them having significant public responsibilities. +
    • +
+ +

In the last case, we're using the site to lobby for expansion of the + scope of the FOI Act. Even if an organisation is not legally obliged to respond + to an FOI request, they can still do so voluntarily. +

+ +
+ +
Why must I keep my request focused?#
+ +
+ +

+ Please put in your request only what is needed so that someone can + easily identify what information you are asking for. Please do + not include any of the following: +

+ +
    +
  • arguments about your cause
    • +
  • statements that could defame or insult others
    • +
+ +

+ If you do, we may have to remove your request to avoid problems with + libel law, which is a pain for both you and us. Short, succinct messages + make it easier for authorities to be clear what information you are + requesting, which means you will get a reply more quickly. +

+ +

+ If you want information to support an argument or campaign, Freedom of + Information is a powerful tool. Although you may not use this site to + run your campaign, we encourage you to use it to get the information you + need. We also encourage to run your campaign elsewhere - one effective + and very easy way is to <%= link_to 'start your own blog', + "http://wordpress.com/"%>. You are welcome to link to your campaign + from this site in an annotation to your request (you can make + annotations after submitting the request). +

+ +
+ +
Does it cost me anything to make a request?#
+ +
+ +

Making an FOI request is nearly always free.

+ +

Authorities often include unnecessary, scary, boilerplate in + acknowledgement messages saying they "may" charge a fee. Ignore such notices. + They hardly ever will actually charge a fee. If they do, they can only charge you if + you have specifically agreed in advance to pay. More + details from the Information Commissioner. +

+ +

Sometimes an authority will refuse your request, saying that the cost + of handling it exceeds £600 (for central government) or £450 (for all other + public authorities). At this point you can refine your + request. e.g. it would be much cheaper for an authority to tell you the amount + spent on marshmallows in the past year than in the past ten years. +

+ +
+ + + +
How quickly will I get a response? #
+ +
+

By law, public authorities must respond promptly to + requests. +

+ +

Even if they are not prompt, in nearly all cases they must respond within + 20 working days. If you had to clarify your request, or they are a school, + or one or two other cases, then they may have more time + (full details). + +

WhatDoTheyKnow will email you if you don't get a timely response. You can + then send the public authority a message to remind them, and tell them if they + are breaking the law.

+ +
+ +
Deadline extended #
+ +
+

By law, public authorities must needs more time for request ... (TO DO) +

+ + +
+
What if I never get a response?#
+ +
+

There are several things you can do if you never get a response.

+
    +
  • Sometimes there has been a genuine problem and the authority never + received the request. It is worth telephoning the authority and politely + checking that they received the request. It was sent to them by email. +
    • +
  • If they have not received it, the problem is most likely due to + "spam filters". Refer the authority to the measures in the answer + 'I can see a request on WhatDoTheyKnow, but we never got it by email!' + in the FOI officers section of this help. +
    • +
  • If you're still having no luck, then you can ask for an internal review, + and then complain to the Information Commissioner about the authority. + Read our page 'Unhappy about the response you got?'. +
+
+ +
What if I'm not satisfied with the response? #
+
If you didn't get the information you asked for, or you didn't get it in time, + then read our page 'Unhappy about the response you got?'. +
+ +
It says I can't re-use the information I got!#
+
+

Authorities often add legal boilerplate about the + "Re-Use of Public Sector + Information Regulations 2005", which at first glance implies you may not + be able do anything with the information. +

+ +

You can, of course, write articles about the information or summarise it, or + quote parts of it. We also think you should feel free to republish the + information in full, just as we do, even though in theory you might not be + allowed to do so. See our policy on copyright.

+ +
+ +
Can you tell me more of the nitty gritty about the process of making requests? #
+ +
+

Have a look at the + access to official information + pages on the Information Commissioner's website.

+ +

If you're requesting information from a Scottish public authority, + the process is very similar. There are differences around time + limits for compliance. + See the Scottish + Information Commissioner's guidance for details.

+
+ +
Can I request information about myself? #
+ +
+

No. Requests made using WhatDoTheyKnow are public, made under the Freedom of + Information Act, and cannot help you find information about a private + individual.

+ +

If you would like to know what information a public + authority holds about yourself, you should make a "Subject Access Request" in + private using Data Protection law. The leaflet "How to access your information" (on the Information Commissioner's + website) explains how to do this.

+ +

If you see that somebody has included personal information, perhaps + unwittingly, in a request, please contact us + immediately so we can remove it.

+
+ + +
I'd like to keep my request secret! (At least until I publish my story) #
+ +

WhatDoTheyKnow is currently only designed for public requests. All + responses that we receive are automatically published on the website for anyone + to read.

+

You should contact the public authority directly if you would like to + make a request in private. If you're interested in buying a system which helps + you manage FOI requests in secret, then contact us. +

+
+ +
Why can I only request information about the environment from some authorities? #
+ +
+

Some public authorities, such as South East Water, + don't come under the Freedom of Information Act, but do come under another law called + the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). +

+ +

It's a very similar law, so you make a request + to them using WhatDoTheyKnow in just the same way as an FOI request. The only + difference is that on the page where your write you request, it reminds you + that you can only request "environmental information" and tells you what that + means. It is quite broad. +

+ +

You can, of course, request environmental information from other + authorities. Just make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request as normal. The + authority has a duty to work out if the Environmental Information Regulations + (EIR) is the more appropriate legislation to reply under. +

+
+ +
Can I make the same to request to lots of authorities, e.g. all councils? #
+ +
We ask you to first send a test version of your request to a few + authorities. Their responses will help you improve the wording of your request, + so that you get the best information when you send the request to all of + the authorities. There is currently no automated system for sending the request + to the other authorities, you must copy and paste it by hand. + +
+ +
I made a request off the site, how do I upload it to the archive?#
+ +
WhatDoTheyKnow is an archive of requests made through the site, + and does not try to be an archive of all FOI requests. We'll never support uploading + other requests. For one thing, we wouldn't be able to verify that other + responses actually came from the authority. If this really matters to you, + you can always make the same request again via WhatDoTheyKnow. +
+ +
How do you moderate request annotations? #
+ +
+

Annotations on WhatDoTheyKnow are to help + people get the information they want, or to give them pointers to places they + can go to help them act on it. We reserve the right to remove anything else. +

+

Endless, political discussions are not allowed. + Post a link to a suitable forum or campaign site elsewhere.

+
+ +
+ +

Next, read about your privacy --> + +

+
+ diff --git a/app/views/help/requesting.rhtml b/app/views/help/requesting.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index e7cfdd199..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/requesting.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,293 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "Making requests" %> - -<%= render :partial => 'sidebar' %> -
-

<%= @title %>

-
- -
I'm not sure which authority to make my request to, how can I find out? #
- -
-

It can be hard to untangle government's complicated structured, and work out - who knows the information that you want. Here are a few tips: -

    -
  • Browse or search WhatDoTheyKnow looking for similar requests to yours.
    • -
  • When you've found an authority you think might have the information, use - the "home page" link on the right hand side of their page to check what they do - on their website.
    • -
  • Contact the authority by phone or email to ask if they hold the kind of - information you're after.
    • -
  • Don't worry excessively about getting the right authority. If you get it - wrong, they ought to advise you who to make the request to instead. -
    • -
  • If you've got a thorny case, please contact us for help.
    • -
- -
- - - -
You're missing the public authority that I want to request from! #
- -
-

Please contact us with the name of the public authority and, - if you can find it, their contact email address for Freedom of Information requests. -

-

If you'd like to help add a whole category of public authority to the site, we'd love - to hear from you too. -

- -
- -
Why do you include some authorities that aren't formally subject to FOI?#
- -
-

WhatDoTheyKnow lets you make requests for information to a range of - organisations:

- -
    -
  • Those formally subject to the FOI Act
    • -
  • Those formally subject to the Environmental Regulations (a less well - defined group)
    • -
  • Those which voluntarily comply with the FOI Act
    • -
  • Those which aren't subject to the Act but we think should be, on grounds - such as them having significant public responsibilities. -
    • -
- -

In the last case, we're using the site to lobby for expansion of the - scope of the FOI Act. Even if an organisation is not legally obliged to respond - to an FOI request, they can still do so voluntarily. -

- -
- -
Why must I keep my request focused?#
- -
- -

- Please put in your request only what is needed so that someone can - easily identify what information you are asking for. Please do - not include any of the following: -

- -
    -
  • arguments about your cause
    • -
  • statements that could defame or insult others
    • -
- -

- If you do, we may have to remove your request to avoid problems with - libel law, which is a pain for both you and us. Short, succinct messages - make it easier for authorities to be clear what information you are - requesting, which means you will get a reply more quickly. -

- -

- If you want information to support an argument or campaign, Freedom of - Information is a powerful tool. Although you may not use this site to - run your campaign, we encourage you to use it to get the information you - need. We also encourage to run your campaign elsewhere - one effective - and very easy way is to <%= link_to 'start your own blog', - "http://wordpress.com/"%>. You are welcome to link to your campaign - from this site in an annotation to your request (you can make - annotations after submitting the request). -

- -
- -
Does it cost me anything to make a request?#
- -
- -

Making an FOI request is nearly always free.

- -

Authorities often include unnecessary, scary, boilerplate in - acknowledgement messages saying they "may" charge a fee. Ignore such notices. - They hardly ever will actually charge a fee. If they do, they can only charge you if - you have specifically agreed in advance to pay. More - details from the Information Commissioner. -

- -

Sometimes an authority will refuse your request, saying that the cost - of handling it exceeds £600 (for central government) or £450 (for all other - public authorities). At this point you can refine your - request. e.g. it would be much cheaper for an authority to tell you the amount - spent on marshmallows in the past year than in the past ten years. -

- -
- - - -
How quickly will I get a response? #
- -
-

By law, public authorities must respond promptly to - requests. -

- -

Even if they are not prompt, in nearly all cases they must respond within - 20 working days. If you had to clarify your request, or they are a school, - or one or two other cases, then they may have more time - (full details). - -

WhatDoTheyKnow will email you if you don't get a timely response. You can - then send the public authority a message to remind them, and tell them if they - are breaking the law.

- -
- -
Deadline extended #
- -
-

By law, public authorities must needs more time for request ... (TO DO) -

- - -
-
What if I never get a response?#
- -
-

There are several things you can do if you never get a response.

-
    -
  • Sometimes there has been a genuine problem and the authority never - received the request. It is worth telephoning the authority and politely - checking that they received the request. It was sent to them by email. -
    • -
  • If they have not received it, the problem is most likely due to - "spam filters". Refer the authority to the measures in the answer - 'I can see a request on WhatDoTheyKnow, but we never got it by email!' - in the FOI officers section of this help. -
    • -
  • If you're still having no luck, then you can ask for an internal review, - and then complain to the Information Commissioner about the authority. - Read our page 'Unhappy about the response you got?'. -
-
- -
What if I'm not satisfied with the response? #
-
If you didn't get the information you asked for, or you didn't get it in time, - then read our page 'Unhappy about the response you got?'. -
- -
It says I can't re-use the information I got!#
-
-

Authorities often add legal boilerplate about the - "Re-Use of Public Sector - Information Regulations 2005", which at first glance implies you may not - be able do anything with the information. -

- -

You can, of course, write articles about the information or summarise it, or - quote parts of it. We also think you should feel free to republish the - information in full, just as we do, even though in theory you might not be - allowed to do so. See our policy on copyright.

- -
- -
Can you tell me more of the nitty gritty about the process of making requests? #
- -
-

Have a look at the - access to official information - pages on the Information Commissioner's website.

- -

If you're requesting information from a Scottish public authority, - the process is very similar. There are differences around time - limits for compliance. - See the Scottish - Information Commissioner's guidance for details.

-
- -
Can I request information about myself? #
- -
-

No. Requests made using WhatDoTheyKnow are public, made under the Freedom of - Information Act, and cannot help you find information about a private - individual.

- -

If you would like to know what information a public - authority holds about yourself, you should make a "Subject Access Request" in - private using Data Protection law. The leaflet "How to access your information" (on the Information Commissioner's - website) explains how to do this.

- -

If you see that somebody has included personal information, perhaps - unwittingly, in a request, please contact us - immediately so we can remove it.

-
- - -
I'd like to keep my request secret! (At least until I publish my story) #
- -

WhatDoTheyKnow is currently only designed for public requests. All - responses that we receive are automatically published on the website for anyone - to read.

-

You should contact the public authority directly if you would like to - make a request in private. If you're interested in buying a system which helps - you manage FOI requests in secret, then contact us. -

-
- -
Why can I only request information about the environment from some authorities? #
- -
-

Some public authorities, such as South East Water, - don't come under the Freedom of Information Act, but do come under another law called - the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). -

- -

It's a very similar law, so you make a request - to them using WhatDoTheyKnow in just the same way as an FOI request. The only - difference is that on the page where your write you request, it reminds you - that you can only request "environmental information" and tells you what that - means. It is quite broad. -

- -

You can, of course, request environmental information from other - authorities. Just make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request as normal. The - authority has a duty to work out if the Environmental Information Regulations - (EIR) is the more appropriate legislation to reply under. -

-
- -
Can I make the same to request to lots of authorities, e.g. all councils? #
- -
We ask you to first send a test version of your request to a few - authorities. Their responses will help you improve the wording of your request, - so that you get the best information when you send the request to all of - the authorities. There is currently no automated system for sending the request - to the other authorities, you must copy and paste it by hand. - -
- -
I made a request off the site, how do I upload it to the archive?#
- -
WhatDoTheyKnow is an archive of requests made through the site, - and does not try to be an archive of all FOI requests. We'll never support uploading - other requests. For one thing, we wouldn't be able to verify that other - responses actually came from the authority. If this really matters to you, - you can always make the same request again via WhatDoTheyKnow. -
- -
How do you moderate request annotations? #
- -
-

Annotations on WhatDoTheyKnow are to help - people get the information they want, or to give them pointers to places they - can go to help them act on it. We reserve the right to remove anything else. -

-

Endless, political discussions are not allowed. - Post a link to a suitable forum or campaign site elsewhere.

-
- -
- -

Next, read about your privacy --> - -

-
- diff --git a/app/views/help/unhappy.html.erb b/app/views/help/unhappy.html.erb new file mode 100644 index 000000000..2b00341c2 --- /dev/null +++ b/app/views/help/unhappy.html.erb @@ -0,0 +1,110 @@ +<% @title = "Unhappy about a Freedom of Information request?" %> + + +<% if !@info_request.nil? %> +

Unhappy about the response you got +to your request '<%=request_link(@info_request) %>'? +

+<% else %> +

Unhappy about the response you got?

+<% end %> + +

If ...

+ + + +

... you can

+ +
    +
  1. Ask for an internal review at the public authority.
    2. +
  2. If that doesn't help, complain to the Information Commissioner.
    3. +
  3. Either way, also use other means to answer your question.
    4. +
+ +

1. Asking for an internal review #

+ +

+<% if !@info_request.nil? %> + <%= link_to "Request an internal review", show_response_no_followup_url(:id => @info_request.id, :incoming_message_id => nil) + "?internal_review=1#followup", :class => 'link_button_green' %> and then write a message asking the authority to review your request. +<% else %> + At the bottom of the relevant request page on <%= site_name %> choose + "request an internal review". Then write a message asking for an internal + review of your request. You may want to include a link to the + request page, to make it clear which request you are talking about. +<% end %> +

+ +

Internal reviews should be quick. If one takes longer than 20 working days +then the authority should write and let you know, and it should never take +longer than 40 working days (see this +good +practice guide). +You will then either get the information that +you originally requested, or you will be told that the review upholds the +original decision. +

+ +

2. Complaining to the Information Commissioner #

+ +

If you are still unhappy after the public authority has done their internal review, +then you can complain to the Information Commissioner. To do this read +Complaints about Freedom of Information +on the Information Commissioner's website. If you requested information from a Scottish +authority, then appeal +to the Scottish Information Commissioner. +

+ +

To make it easier to send the relevant information to the +Information Commissioner, either +<% if !@info_request.nil? %> + include a link to your request + <%=h main_url(request_url(@info_request)) %> +<% else %> + include a link to your request on <%= site_name %> +<% end %> +in your complaint or print out the whole page of your request and all attachments. +

+ +

<%= site_name %> has no special facilities for handling a request at this stage - it +passes into the Information Commissioner's system. You can leave annotations on your +request keeping people informed of progress.

+ +

A warning. There is a backlog of work at the Information Commissioner, and +it can take literally years to get resolution from them. If you reach this point, +you should accept that you won't get the information quickly by this means. Maybe +you want to help the fight to improve Freedom of Information, or maybe +getting the information slowly is still worthwhile. You can also try and +get the information by other means...

+ +

3. Using other means to answer your question #

+ +

You can try persuing your problem or your research in other ways. + +

+ + + diff --git a/app/views/help/unhappy.rhtml b/app/views/help/unhappy.rhtml deleted file mode 100644 index 2b00341c2..000000000 --- a/app/views/help/unhappy.rhtml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,110 +0,0 @@ -<% @title = "Unhappy about a Freedom of Information request?" %> - - -<% if !@info_request.nil? %> -

Unhappy about the response you got -to your request '<%=request_link(@info_request) %>'? -

-<% else %> -

Unhappy about the response you got?

-<% end %> - -

If ...

- - - -

... you can

- -
    -
  1. Ask for an internal review at the public authority.
    2. -
  2. If that doesn't help, complain to the Information Commissioner.
    3. -
  3. Either way, also use other means to answer your question.
    4. -
- -

1. Asking for an internal review #

- -

-<% if !@info_request.nil? %> - <%= link_to "Request an internal review", show_response_no_followup_url(:id => @info_request.id, :incoming_message_id => nil) + "?internal_review=1#followup", :class => 'link_button_green' %> and then write a message asking the authority to review your request. -<% else %> - At the bottom of the relevant request page on <%= site_name %> choose - "request an internal review". Then write a message asking for an internal - review of your request. You may want to include a link to the - request page, to make it clear which request you are talking about. -<% end %> -

- -

Internal reviews should be quick. If one takes longer than 20 working days -then the authority should write and let you know, and it should never take -longer than 40 working days (see this -good -practice guide). -You will then either get the information that -you originally requested, or you will be told that the review upholds the -original decision. -

- -

2. Complaining to the Information Commissioner #

- -

If you are still unhappy after the public authority has done their internal review, -then you can complain to the Information Commissioner. To do this read -Complaints about Freedom of Information -on the Information Commissioner's website. If you requested information from a Scottish -authority, then appeal -to the Scottish Information Commissioner. -

- -

To make it easier to send the relevant information to the -Information Commissioner, either -<% if !@info_request.nil? %> - include a link to your request - <%=h main_url(request_url(@info_request)) %> -<% else %> - include a link to your request on <%= site_name %> -<% end %> -in your complaint or print out the whole page of your request and all attachments. -

- -

<%= site_name %> has no special facilities for handling a request at this stage - it -passes into the Information Commissioner's system. You can leave annotations on your -request keeping people informed of progress.

- -

A warning. There is a backlog of work at the Information Commissioner, and -it can take literally years to get resolution from them. If you reach this point, -you should accept that you won't get the information quickly by this means. Maybe -you want to help the fight to improve Freedom of Information, or maybe -getting the information slowly is still worthwhile. You can also try and -get the information by other means...

- -

3. Using other means to answer your question #

- -

You can try persuing your problem or your research in other ways. - -

- - - -- cgit v1.2.3