Freedom of Information

 The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) came in to force on 1 January 2005.  The FOIA grants a right to any person, anywhere, to ask for and have access to specified information from any public authority.  This applies to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, regardless of its age.  The Act does, however, set out some exemptions to this right that can be applied to certain information. 

The FOIA requires all public authorities to make information available proactively by virtue of the Publication Scheme. The Publication Schemes give details of the classes of information that English Heritage makes available and how they are accessible.

'Publication' does not refer solely to printed material, it includes material on the website, one-off printed documents, electronic documents, printed books, reports and leaflets. Much of the material covered by the scheme is available on this website and it is intended, as far as possible, to make further material available on the website on an ongoing basis.

Publication Scheme

The Freedom of Information Act asserts the right of individuals to obtain access to official information to the widest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the need to protect legitimate confidential information. English Heritage currently makes extensive information routinely available to the public in relation to its functions, activities and schemes.

The Publication Scheme outlines the information that is already made proactively avaliable by English Heritage. Where information is available by post, a request can be made by contacting the specified area. Where a charge applies, this is shown. Customer Services will assist in the provision of the information requested in hard copy format. Where the availability is shown as EH Library, this indicates that the information is available for inspection in the Library.

The Publication Scheme divides the information published by English Heritage into three broad categories with a number of sub-divisions under each:

• English Heritage as an organisation
• Functions and activities of English Heritage
• Using the National Monuments Record (the public archive of English Heritage)

Unless otherwise specified, it is the current version of documents, manuals, publications and other information that will be made available under this Publication Scheme.

Other information may be available subject to the application of exemptions under the FOI Act.

How do I make a Freedom of Information request?

The FOI Act states that all requests have to be:

• In writing
• Specify the information requested
• Provide a name and contact details for response

They should be directed to:

Post: 

Access to Information Manager
English Heritage
National Monument Record Centre
Kemble Drive
SWINDON
SN2 2GZ

Email: FOI@english-heritage.org.uk

When can I expect a response?

The Act states that public authorities must respond to all requests for information under the FOIA within 20 working days following receipt of your request.  Therefore you should receive a response to your request no later than this deadline.