From 62b5ac9fab138f17bfe8cfa7654af75ca341f55b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Louise Crow Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2016 15:48:11 +0100 Subject: Add generic example version of each required help page. --- lib/views/help/requesting.html.erb | 565 ++++++++++++++++++------------------- 1 file changed, 282 insertions(+), 283 deletions(-) (limited to 'lib/views/help/requesting.html.erb') diff --git a/lib/views/help/requesting.html.erb b/lib/views/help/requesting.html.erb index 28e55fd..ca6bff7 100644 --- a/lib/views/help/requesting.html.erb +++ b/lib/views/help/requesting.html.erb @@ -1,286 +1,285 @@ <% @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 <%= site_name %> 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?#
- -
-

<%= site_name %> 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). - -

<%= site_name %> 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.

- -
- -
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 <%= site_name %>, 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 <%= site_name %> 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) #
- -

<%= site_name %> 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 <%= site_name %> 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?#
- -
<%= site_name %> 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 <%= site_name %>. -
- -
How do you moderate request annotations? #
- -
-

Annotations on <%= site_name %> 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 --> - -

- -
+
+

<%= @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 structure, and work out + who holds the information that you want. Here are a few tips: +

+
    +
  • Browse or search <%= site_name %> 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?#
+ +
+

<%= site_name %> 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). +

+

<%= site_name %> 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.

+ +
+ +
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 <%= site_name %>, 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 <%= site_name %> 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) #
+ +

<%= site_name %> 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 <%= site_name %> in just the same way as an FOI request. The only + difference is that on the page where you write your 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?#
+ +
<%= site_name %> 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 <%= site_name %>. +
+ +
How do you moderate request annotations? #
+ +
+

Annotations on <%= site_name %> 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 --> + +

+
\ No newline at end of file -- cgit v1.2.3