How to obtain information from the Integration Joint Board (Health and Social Care Partnership)
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 East 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.
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.
About the Integration Joint Board
The key functions of the Integration Joint Board in relation to the provision of community based health and social care services are to:
- Prepare a Strategic Plan for Integrated Functions that is in accordance with National and Local Outcomes and Integration Principles as defined in the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014.
- Allocate the Integrated Budget in accordance with the Strategic Plan.
- Oversee the delivery of services within the scope of the Partnership.
Further information on the Integration Joint Board’s responsibilities is provided within the Health and Social Care Partnership section of this website.
About the Act
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.
About the Environmental Information Regulations
The Integration Joint Board has a duty to make environmental information available to the public under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (the EIRs). The definition of environmental information is very wide and it covers not only the natural environment, but also the built environment.
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.
Publication Scheme
East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Integration Joint Board is committed to the principles of openness and transparency in the conduct of its business. It is intended that this Guide to Information, prepared under Section 23 of the FOI Act, will complement the Integration Joint Board’s efforts to increase public awareness of the business of the Partnership and stimulate local interest and participation in its work.
The purpose of this publication scheme is to make it easier for the public to locate and access information published by East Ayrshire Integration Joint Board. This scheme advises on the classes of information routinely available, where it can be accessed and whether or not there will be a charge for it. This is a proactive commitment to ensure that the public can access up-to-date information on subjects that are of concern or interest.
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.
What is an EIR request?
An EIR request can be made in the same way as an FOI request.
However, verbal requests for information e.g. a request made in the course of a meeting, a request left on a voicemail or a telephone answering machine are valid requests for environmental information and as such will be dealt with in the same way as written requests.
Making a request
You can make an FOI/EIR 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
East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
London Road
Kilmarnock
KA3 7BU
Telephone: 01563 576000
Email: FOI.EAIJB@east-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
Tel: 01334 464610