The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to access recorded information held by public sector organisations.

The FOI Act is overseen by the Information Commissioner who also has responsibility for The Data Protection Act 2018, and The Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

The Trust’s Obligations under the Freedom of Information Act

Schools are under a duty to provide advice and assistance to anyone requesting information. The enquirer is entitled to be told whether the school holds the information (the duty to confirm or deny) except where certain exemptions apply. A well-managed records and management information system is essential to help schools to meet requests.

There are prescribed time limits for responding to requests for information. Requests should be dealt with within 20 working days.

Wilfully concealing, damaging or destroying information in order to avoid answering an enquiry is an offence.

Although FOI presumes openness, it recognises the need to protect sensitive information in certain circumstances and provides for exemptions.

How do I make a request?

A valid FOI request should be in writing (letter or email) and should include the enquirer’s name and correspondence address and a detailed description of the information you are wanting (including dates if relevant) and any preference for the format of receiving the information. If it is relating to one of the Trust’s schools please specify which school.  Please include FOI request in the title of your email/letter.

Further information can be viewed under “Policies”.

Requests can be sent to:

Zenith Multi Academy Trust, c/o The King John School, Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 1RQ
Email: dataprotection@zmat.co.uk
Fax: 01702 555636

• The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) enables individuals to access information about themselves;
• The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs) enable people to access environmental information; and
• The Freedom of Information Act enables people to access all other information and the reasoning behind decisions and policies, which do not fall under DPA or EIR.