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? 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.
