How could an FOI Network support journalists and specialist users?
As part of a JRRT-funded project, we are exploring ways to potentially expand and formalise the FOI Network and its activities.
The FOI Network is currently an informal coalition of civil society organisations, journalists, and academics interested in freedom of information in the UK. Those involved include requesters and those with a wider interest in policy around FOI and government ethics and transparency.
Many journalists, campaigners and researchers already use FOI effectively as a crucial tool for their investigative, anti-corruption, and public-interest work. Yet, even experienced users encounter barriers and challenges when making requests, filing appeals, or navigating tribunals.
In this workshop, we will explore:
Barriers faced by journalists and specialist users when using FOI
Existing resources designed to help overcome these challenges
Potential FOI Network activities to help address barriers/challenges
Who could help run these activities, their feasibility, and participant interest
Workshop outputs will include:
Identification of the top FOI challenges for journalists and specialist users
Ideas for Network activities and indications of interest
Signals of volunteer involvement and capacity to support initiatives
The findings will help shape future FOI Network activities, with the aim of developing ideas into pilot projects and initiatives that could be supported and funded to strengthen transparency and accountability in the UK.
Who should attend:
Journalists, researchers, and campaigners who use, or are interested in using, FOI in their work
Individuals working to improve FOI systems and support users
Anyone curious about how a collaborative network could make FOI requests, appeals, and tribunals easier to navigate
Those interested in shaping the future activities of the FOI Network