FoI statistics to be published quarterly to improve transparency

Training session planned for public sector

Statistics about Freedom of Information activity will be published quarterly by the Isle of Man Government.

The anonymous data will be compiled by the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance and published by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

It will provide a rolling 12-month overview of requests made to government departments, boards and offices.

Government says this will provide ‘clearer insight’ into how FoI rights are being exercised and how public authorities are meeting their statutory responsibilities.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said: “The decision to publicise these statistics reflects our shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong information governance across the public sector.”

Information Commissioner Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya said: “When decisions and actions affect the public it’s important that they’re open and accessible.

“Transparency fosters trust and is central to the public’s right to information.”

The ICO is planning to host a training session for the public sector on FoI handling which is designed to improve the approach to requests and build confidence in responses.