Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) gives you the right to request information from public authorities.
The FOI Act means that you have the right of access to information to help you understand:
- how this Department works
- how we spend public money
- how and why we make our decisions.
If you ask for environmental information, your request will be handled under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs).
You can also request information under:
The Data Protection Act 2018(DPA)(external link opens in a new window / tab) and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)(external link opens in a new window / tab) gives you access to your own personal information. The DPA applies to private enterprise as well as public authorities.
How do I request information?
Under the FOI Act, you must request information about the Department of Education in writing (including by fax or email).
You can submit a request by emailing Freedom.info@education-ni.gov.uk
Or write to us at:
Information Management Team
Department of Education
Rathgael House
Rathgill
43 Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7PR
You can ask for environmental information in writing, in person or by phone.
The Department publishes responses to requests for information made under FOI/EIR in its Disclosure Log therefore before you make a request you may wish to review our disclosure log.
What to include in your request
Please ensure that you:
- your name and address for correspondence (postal or email)
- detailed description of the information you are seeking
- you may also wish to include a daytime telephone number, should we need to contact you
How long does it take to get information?
We will acknowledge receipt of your request and tell you the date by which you should receive a response. We should send you the information within 20 working days of receiving your request – although that time can be extended where:
- an exemption may apply and we need to consider the public interest
- we are awaiting payment of a fee by you
Sometimes we might need to contact you to clarify exactly what information you are interested in. It will help us to process your request more quickly if you are as specific as possible about what information it is you want. Please make sure that you provide us with your name and address and a contact telephone number.
We may need to consult other public authorities and/or third parties in order to reach a decision on whether the requested information can be released.
When your information will be shared
We may need to consult third parties in order to reach a decision on disclosure, particularly if they provided the information requested to us in the first place. Consultation may take place with other public authorities, private organisations or individuals. Where there are a large number of third parties, the Department may contact a representative body or sample instead to help inform our decision. It is important for us to consider the views of those who provide us with information on how releasing the information is likely to affect them. Even if they object, we may still release the information to you if we conclude that it is in the public interest to do so.
If you’ve sent an FOI request to several government departments, we may share your request between us. This is to help deal with your enquiry more effectively.
Only necessary information will be shared and information will not be used for any other purpose.
Is there a cost for getting information?
Most requests are free but you might be asked to pay a small amount for photocopies or postage. We will tell you if you have to pay anything.
Check the copyright status(external link opens in a new window / tab) of information you receive if you plan to reproduce it.
If the information I want is not available?
The FOI Act does not require us to gather information or create information that is not already there. By way of assistance, we may contact you and tell you what information we do hold that could help to answer your query, or suggest another public authority that may hold some or all of the information you are looking for.
What information can I have?
The FOI Act allows you access to almost all information that a public authority holds. But there are some things that cannot be given to the public because they may be exempt. Some sensitive information is not available to members of the public. If this applies, we must tell you why we cannot give you some or all of the information you requested.
We might ask you to be more specific so we can provide just the information you need.
We can also refuse your Freedom of Information (FOI) request if getting information will cost more than £600 and can refuse your request for environmental information, if we think the cost of getting the information is too high.
Please note that the Department may need to consult with other public authorities and/or third parties in order to reach a decision on whether the information you have requested can be released.
What if I am refused information?
If we do not provide you with the information you requested and you disagree with our explanation why, you should first ask us to review our decision. To request an internal review send an email or letter within 40 working days, to freedom.info@education-ni.gov.uk We need you to tell us why you are requesting an internal review.
If a request for an internal review refers to FOI legislation, we will reply to you within 20 working days if possible. If a request for an internal review refers to EIR legislation we will reply to you within 40 working days.
If you are not satisfied after the Internal Review, you can request a review by the Information Commissioner, on their website at www.ico.org.uk/foicomplaints(external link opens in a new window / tab) or in writing including copies of all relevant correspondence.
Management Information on Freedom of Information Compliance
In accordance with the Cabinet Office Section 45 Code of Practice, the Department publishes management information relating to its performance in complying with the Freedom of Information Act.
This information is available here:
Management Information on Freedom of Information Compliance.
Data Protection Act 2018
The Data Protection Act 2018 establishes a framework of rights and duties which are designed to safeguard personal data.
Effective data security is a key priority for the Department of Education. It is vital for public confidence and for the efficient, effective and safe conduct of the Department’s business.
The Act applies to a particular activity – processing personal data – rather than to particular organisations or people. As the Department processes personal data, we must comply with the Act.
In carrying out its duties effectively DE obtains, processes and manages a broad range of information from the education sector and the citizen. Some of the services provided by the Department directly involve the collection and handling of personal or sensitive data and information which must be managed appropriately and securely.
The Act gives a right of access to individuals to a copy of their personal data. This right, commonly referred to as subject access, is most often used by individuals who want to see a copy of the information an organisation holds about them. Under the right of subject access, an individual is entitled only to their own personal data.
Should you wish to access information held about you contact us at dataprotectionofficer@education-ni.gov.uk
Please state your name, address, telephone number and specific details of the information you require.
FOI, EIR and SARs Privacy Notice
A privacy notice outlining how personal data will be handled by the Department of Education when processing requests for information:
Gifts and hospitality
This section contains details of the DE Board gifts and hospitality register for 2014/15, the Senior Civil Service (SCS) gifts and hospitality register and NICS guidance on gifts and hospitality.
Register of Interests
The details provided here are for DE Departmental Board & Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) members only.