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Freedom of Information



The Freedom of Information Act allows you to make a request for non-personal information. 

The General Data Protection Regulations allow you to request copies of all personal information we hold about you. 

All requests for access to information under these regulations legislation are managed on our behalf by the Business Services Organisation (BSO): foi.bso@hscni.net


Making a Request for Information


Freedom of Information

Information requests must be in writing and should be sent to:

Email: 
Foi.bso@hscni.net

By post:
Corporate Services Department
Business Services Organisation
2 Franklin Street
Belfast
BT2 8DQ

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Subject access requests must be in writing and should be sent to:

Email: 
dpa.bso@hscni.net

By post:
Corporate Services Department
Business Services Organisation
2 Franklin Street
Belfast
BT2 8DQ


Responding to Requests

When we receive your letter or email we may be in contact to clarify exactly what information you require. You may be asked to send us proof of identity – a copy of a formal document or bill with your name and address on it or your driving licence or passport.

Once we have received all the necessary documentation we have up to one calendar month/40 working days under the Data Protection Act 1998 to provide the information requested.

If information is withheld we will tell you why we are unable to disclose it.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the way in which we deal with your request you may complain following the BSO complaints procedure or directly to the Information Commissioner.

Charges for Information Requests:

Information we routinely publish online is provided free of charge. Many other individual requests are also fulfilled free of charge. If there is a resource required to locate and copy information then we will advise you of the charge according to the ‘Guidance to Charges for Information Requests’.

Useful information is also available from the Information Commissioner’s Office Website: www.ico.org.uk/for_the_public


Scheduled maintenance

Due to scheduled maintenance on our online services ‘My Portal’ – anyone who wishes to start, progress or submit an application for registration will not be able to. These services will resume Wednesday 16 October 2024. Thank you for your patience.