Freedom of Information (FOI)

What is an FOI request?

Any individual or organisation can make a request for information the Integration Joint Board holds, and will be entitled to receive it, provided no exemptions apply. Requests must:

• be in writing or some other permanent form (e.g. e-mail or recorded message);
• state the applicant's name and address;
• describe what information is required.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOI) aims to increase openness and accountability by ensuring people can access information held by Scottish public authorities - including the South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board.

People have the right to access all types of recorded information and, apart from certain specific exemptions, authorities and their staff must comply with these requests. Please see the South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board Freedom of Information Disclosure Log for all previous requests made.

Every type of recorded information held by the Integration Joint Board since its formation on 1st April, 2015 is covered by the Act. Enquirers do not have to give a reason for asking for the information.

If you ask for information, the Integration Joint Board will have to provide you with that information, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled and subject only to the limitations imposed by the Act and other legislation.

Are there any exceptions to providing information?

Yes, there are some. If, for example, giving the information would cause a breach of confidence to a third party; if it divulged personal information on an individual; or if the information was commercially sensitive. The Integration Joint Board can give advice on exemptions, which are detailed in the Act and Regulations.

Making a request

You can make an FOI request in the following ways: To make an information request and for further help and assistance please contact:

The Director of Health and Social Care
Health & Social Care Partnership
1st Floor, Main Building
Elgin House
Ailsa Hospital
Dalmellington Road
Ayr
KA6 6AB

Telephone: 01292 612419
Email: FOI@south-ayrshire.gov.uk 

How your FOI request will be handled

Your request will be dealt with promptly and, usually, within 20 working days. There is no need to cite the Act or explain why information is being asked for. However, giving as much detail as you can may help us respond more fully to your request.

There is no obligation for the Integration Joint Board to comply with an information request if:

• an exemption applies;
• the cost of doing so would exceed the amount set by the fees regulations;
• the information is not held by the Integration Joint Board.

In these instances, you will be notified why the Integration Joint Board cannot comply with your request.

What happens if information is not provided?

If you are dissatisfied with the Integration Joint Board's handling of your request for information, you have the right to ask the Integration Joint Board to review the matter. If you remain dissatisfied, you can contact the Scottish Information Commissioner. The Commissioner is a fully independent public official, with a range of powers under the Act to ensure compliance. You can view the Commissioner's website at www.itspublicknowledge.info for further information.

The Commissioner can be contacted at:

Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS

Telephone: 01334 464610