Key findings from the report include:
- Practitioners view FOI as important right
82% of respondents consider FOI to be an important right, while 77% feel that it makes their organisation more open and accountable.
- Practitioners have confidence in their skills
95% of respondents expressed confidence in their skills and knowledge to be an effective FOI practitioner. 80% also agreed that their FOI advice was valued in their organisation (with only 4% disagreeing).
- Practitioners would like to seek the profile of FOI and FOI practitioners elevated within organisations
Suggestions included the creation of a dedicated FOI Officer role and the development of a nationally accredited qualification.
- Practitioners would like to see changes made to the FOI 'publication scheme' duty
A range of comments and suggestions for improvements to the FOI duty to publish information were shared.
- Practitioners find the Commissioner's support valuable, but would like to see further developments
Suggestions include bespoke training for practitioners and the development of additional guidance.