The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives anyone the right to request access to recorded information held by public authorities, subject to some conditions and exemptions. The Act supports openness in public services and helps the public understand how organisations make decisions and use public money.
Read the ICB Policy for managing Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations requestsCheck our Publication Scheme before making a FOI request
Before submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, please check our Publication Scheme, as the information you are looking for may already be available.
Go to the ICB’s Publication Scheme
For further details, see the ICO’s guidance:
Freedom of Information Act: Definition document for health bodies in England (Information Commissioner’s Office)Who can make a request
Anyone can make a request. There are no restrictions on age, nationality, or location.
What can I request?
You can ask for any recorded information you think we hold. Depending on the type of information you are requesting different processes and legislation applies.
- If you ask for information about yourself, known as your own personal data, you need to make a Subject Access Request (SAR). This is because it falls under the Data Protection Act 2018 , and not the FOI Act.
- We do not hold patient’s medical records – these are held by your GP or hospital. If you’d like to access these, please see the NHS website – how to access your health records .
- If your request is about the environment, we will reply to your request under the Environmental information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
How to make a FOI request
You can make an FOI request in the following ways:
Online by completing a FOI request form.
In writing by email or post. Please provide the following:
- your name and address (this can be an email or postal address)
- a clear description of the information you wish to know
- dates if relevant
- the format you would like information supplied back to you
- a contact telephone number is useful in case we need to discuss your request.
Contact details
For assistance in making a request you can call the FOI team:
Email: [email protected]
- FOI team:
- 03300 571030
- Address:
NHS Central East ICB, Gemini House, Bartholomew’s Walk, Cambridgeshire Business Park, Angel Drove, Ely CB7 4EA
What happens when we receive your request
We will acknowledge your request and source the information you have requested from the relevant team. We will respond within 20 working days. If we think your enquiry falls outside our duty under the Act, we will let you know and tell you why this is.
Why a request may be refused
If the cost of locating, retrieving, and collating the information you’ve asked for is more than £450 (equivalent to 18 hours’ work at £25 per hour), we have the right to refuse your request.
These limits apply to all requests made by one individual or organisation in a 60 working day period. Where possible, we will offer advice and assistance to help you revise or narrow the request so that it can be processed within these limits.
For more information about how and why we might refuse a request please visit the Information Commissioners Office website or read the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
What happens if I am unhappy with the way that my request was handled?
If you are unhappy with the way in which your request has been handled, you can request an internal review by emailing the FOI team.
If after we have addressed your concerns, you remain dissatisfied with how the ICB has responded you can appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. More information is available on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.