What are some best practices for making an FOI request?

Being clear and specific about the information needed is crucial when making a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. This practice helps ensure that the agency receiving the request understands exactly what information you are seeking, which can lead to a more efficient processing of your request. By providing clear details, you minimize the chances of receiving irrelevant information and reduce the likelihood of the agency needing to follow-up for clarification, which can delay the response time.

Specificity helps the agency in identifying the precise documents or data that you are interested in, allowing them to search their records more effectively. It also aids in establishing a clear scope for the request, which is beneficial for both the requester and the agency involved, as it sets expectations for what will be provided. This straightforward approach is particularly important in environments where many requests may be handled at once, as it streamlines workflow and contributes to a better overall process for obtaining public information.