Freedom of Information

An introduction

Over the last few years the UK Government has introduced a number of related items of legislation which have created an 'access to information’ regime. The Data Protection Act 1998 enables access to personal information; the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 enable access to environmental information; and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 enables access to all other information.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of information held by public authorities. It also sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities.

Any person who makes a request for information from a public authority must, subject to certain exemptions, be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, in most circumstances, be supplied with it.

Individuals also have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act. The Freedom of Information Act does not affect the rights already provided by the Data Protection Act, but rather extends this right to all types of information held.

Similar access to any environmental information held by the public authority, subject to certain exemptions, is granted by Environmental Information Regulations.

Public authorities are required to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the means by which it publishes the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust Publication Scheme can be accessed here.

The Act is enforced by the Information Commissioner, a post that combines regulation of both the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts, and also the Environmental Information Regulations 2004

Making a request for information

If you wish to request information under the Freedom of Information Act, you can email foi@yas.nhs.uk or write to:

FOI Enquiries

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Springhill
Brindley Way
Wakefield 41 Business
Wakefield
WF2 0XQ

There is no set form of words to use. A request simply has to be in writing (letter, fax or email) and must include valid contact details for us to reply. We have 20 working days to answer a request.

If you wish to obtain more general information on our Publication Scheme, or require further information on freedom of information, data protection, environmental information, commercial re-use of our information or other information governance topics, please contact:

Information Governance Coordinator
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Springhill
Brindley Way
Wakefield 41 Business
Wakefield
WF2 0XQ

infogov@yas.nhs.uk