1. Implementation of the FOI Law Mrs. Carole Excell FOI Coordinator Boards and Committees November 18, 2008

2.  Prepared written FOI implementation plan and released for public consultation.  Completed Baseline Assessment of all public authorities in January 2008.  Completed Regulatory Framework for FOI- FOI Regulations 2008. Accomplishments

3. Accomplishments TTTTrained 150 Information Managers through the Civil Service College PPPPrepared FOI Guidance Manual completed for use by IM’s and Chief Officers and Principal Officers approved by Legal Committee of FOISC

4. Accomplishments  2700 public officials sensitised on FOI  Conducted 4 Chief Officer retreats and 6 HOD Briefings and 5 Information Manager Network meetings.  Completed IT Tracking system developed for tracking requests

5.  Provided guidance for web publication schemes for all public authorities  Completed a User Guide for the Public  Contracted review of inconsistent legislation Accomplishments

6. Accomplishments  Held 2 Sunshine Weeks  Completed quarterly reports to Cabinet  Supported process of appointment of Information Commissioner

7. Implementation  Began TESTING phase for public authorities to receive their first FOI request.  FOI Unit has ensured that training, statutory arrangements and guidelines are complete.

8. Where are we?  Information Managers have been designated for all public authorities.  Code of Practice on Records Management finalised and distributed to all Chief Officers by Chief Secretary  Minimum requirement for FOI is preparation of a records survey of all printed and electronic files

9. FOI Guidelines  COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND TENDERS (Legal Committee)  HUMAN RESOURCES GUIDELINES (POCS)  Guidelines ON DISABILITIES  DRAFTS completed

10. Plan for 2010 In 2009 the FOI Unit will focus on: In 2009 the FOI Unit will focus on: Development of a scope of work and policy on Data Protection Legislation; Development of a scope of work and policy on Data Protection Legislation; Procedural guidance for Whistleblowers; Procedural guidance for Whistleblowers; Determination of policy on scope of Law i.e. which entities outside of Government should the FOI Law be extended to include (if any); Determination of policy on scope of Law i.e. which entities outside of Government should the FOI Law be extended to include (if any); Finalization of submission of laws which are inconsistent with the FOI Law and preparation of appropriate amendments; and Finalization of submission of laws which are inconsistent with the FOI Law and preparation of appropriate amendments; and Monitoring public authorities to complete development of Publication Schemes for Gazetting by January 2010. Monitoring public authorities to complete development of Publication Schemes for Gazetting by January 2010.

11. Conclusion  We don’t need a law to be more transparent “FOI implementation is not an event: it is a process which demands long term commitment” (Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Progress Towards Implementation, House of Commons 2004) (Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Progress Towards Implementation, House of Commons 2004)