Home Law and Guidance Self-assessment toolkit Module 5: Conduct of reviews Module 5: Conduct of reviews This module is designed to help your authority carry out an effective review of its response to a request. If an individual is unhappy either with the response they have received or the way in which their request was handled, they have a right to request a formal review by the authority. This module is not just about meeting this statutory requirement, however - good review practice brings wider benefits through improved public trust, increased service user satisfaction, and learning for future requests. Module content The module looks at the following areas of practice: Leadership commitment - Are the benefits of proper FOI review processes, and the risks of failure to carry them out, acknowledged by leaders and managers in the authority? Clear but flexible process - Is there a robust, proportionate procedure that is known and accessible by all relevant staff? Are reviews carried out independently of those answering requests? Staff resources and training - Do those carrying out reviews receive appropriate training, understand their responsibilities and have sufficient authority to challenge original responses? Responsive and evolving authority - Does the authority monitor the outcomes of reviews and SIC decisions and learn from them in improving FOI and wider customer service practice? Module resources How to carry out an FOI self-assessment Download our detailed guide to completing a self-assessment. Module 5: Standards and Criteria Includes: Introduction to this module Expected outcomes and legal context Characteristics of excellent practice for this module Ratings and evaluation criteria Download Module 5 Standards and Criteria. Module 5: Questions and Evidence Grid A workbook of module questions, with sections to record evidence, strengths and areas for improvement. Download Module 5 Questions and Evidence Grid. Summary of Findings A form to record the assessment findings and give your authority a performance rating for this module. Download the Summary of Findings document. Improvement Action Plan A form to plan actions to improve performance. Download our Improvement Action Plan template. Explore more modules Module 1: Responding on time Module 2: Searching for, locating and retrieving information Module 3: Advice and assistance Module 4: Publishing information Module 6: Monitoring and managing FOI performance
Module 5: Standards and Criteria Includes: Introduction to this module Expected outcomes and legal context Characteristics of excellent practice for this module Ratings and evaluation criteria Download Module 5 Standards and Criteria.
Module 5: Questions and Evidence Grid A workbook of module questions, with sections to record evidence, strengths and areas for improvement. Download Module 5 Questions and Evidence Grid.
Summary of Findings A form to record the assessment findings and give your authority a performance rating for this module. Download the Summary of Findings document.
Improvement Action Plan A form to plan actions to improve performance. Download our Improvement Action Plan template.
