The Freedom of Information [FOI] Act 2000 gives everyone the right to obtain information from public organisations including hospitals, health centres and health agencies. This means that you can access information about how the Business Services Organisation [BSO] works, how we spend public money, and how and why we make decisions.

You can also request information under:

• The Data Protection Act 1998 [DPA], which gives everyone access rights to their own
personal information. The DPA covers both private and public organisations.

• The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 [EIR], which give everyone the
right to environmental information held by public organisations.

How can I get information about BSO under the FOI Act?

Some BSO information is available on our website www.hscbusiness.hscni.net. If the information you require is not available from the BSO website, you can make a request in writing to:

Corporate Services
Business Services Organisation
2 Franklin Street
BELFAST
BT2 8DQ

E-mail: foi.bso@hscni.net

All requests for copies of information under the FOI Act must be made in writing. It will be helpful if you tell us the nature of the information you are requesting, and provide us with your name, address and contact telephone number.

Is there any cost for getting information?

Information will be provided free of charge up to a value of £450, however, if there are production costs, such as photocopy and laser printing, there will be a nominal charge. These production costs will apply to all requests.

What information is available from the Business Services Organisation?

The FOI Act gives you the right to access almost all the information the BSO holds, but there is some information which cannot be made public. Information given in confidence, information relating to national security or law enforcement, and personal details about others cannot be provided; these are known as ‘exemptions’. You can obtain your own personal information through the Data Protection Act.

What happens if the information is not available?

The FOI Act does not require us to provide information that we do not already gather; however, we do have a duty to help you with your request. We will contact you and tell you what information we do hold and whether that may help with your query.

What if I am refused information?

We will tell you what information has been withheld and why. If you are not satisfied with our response, please contact us and tell us why. If we cannot resolve the matter and you remain unhappy you can ask the Northern Ireland Information Commissioner to decide if your request has been dealt with correctly.

Where can I get more information about FOI Act?

You can get more information about FOI from the Northern Ireland Information Commissioner at:

51 Adelaide Street,
BELFAST
BT2 8FE

Email : ni@ico.gsi.gov.uk
Website : www.ico.gov.uk