This page contains resources and guides for public authorities which are implementing the Freedom of Information Act for the first time.
The Model action plan and 'Countdown' guide were prepared for
implementation of the FOI Act on 1 January 2005 , but the principles and
timescales will hold true for any new public authorities implementing the
Act for the
first time.
This plan was designed for central government departments to use in 2004. It breaks the implementation work into five areas, and sets out objectives and milestones for what should be achieved in each area in the 12 months leading up to implementation.
In collaboration with the Information Commissioner's Office and the National Audit Office, we produced the "Countdown to Implementation" guide to assist public authorities in the final three months of their preparations for FOI implementation.
The National Archives has produced a large amount of guidance on good records management practice, to assist public authorities in fulfilling their obligations under the FOI Act and its code of practice on records management.