How do I recognise an FOI request?

Any written request for information is technically an FOI request. It does not need to state that it is a Freedom of Information request.

Do we have to treat all written requests for information as FOI requests?

If you receive a request for information that you would routinely provide to enquirers and you can provide the information, you need not refer it to the FOI team. If you receive a request for information that you do not have, that would take a long time to locate or compile or for information that you are not sure should be put into the public domain, please refer to the FOI team by email.

Requests must be referred immediately to the FOI team, the 20-day timescale starts from when the Collegeorganisation, not the FOI team, receives the request.