Which organisations are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
This guide helps you to find out who is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Guide is alphabetical.
see also FOIA Schedule I - Public Authorities
Types of Organisation
Armed Forces
The Armed Forces of the Crown are subject to FOI except for:
(a) the special forces, and
(b) any unit or part of a unit which is for the time being required by the Secretary of State to assist the Government Communications Headquarters in the exercise of its functions.
Subject to the above exceptions the following are subject to FOI:
- Army
- Royal Air Force (RAF)
- Royal Marines
- Royal Navy
In addition Executive Agencies of the Ministry of Defence are subject to FOI.
Charities
The majority of charities are not subject to the FOI.
There are many different types of charities
The Charity's Commission is subject to FOI. The Charity Commission holds information about all registered charities however many charities are exempt.
See also:
- students' unions
- schools
Companies
The vast majority companies are not subject to FOI.
If a company meets one (or more) of the following conditions it will be subject to FOI:
- companies listed in Schedule 1 of the Act
- companies wholly owned by the Crown [see Section 6 of the Act]
- companies wholly owned by one public authority [see Section 6 of the Act]
Companies House is subject to FOI.
Executive Agencies
Government Departments
All Government Departments are subject to FOI.
Housing Associations
Not subject to FOI unless they are are wholly owned by the a single public authority/ the Crown and fall within th definition of Section 6.
Museums
Some museums are subject to the Act and some are not.
Regional Broadband Consortia
Schools
Private Schools: not subject to FOI
State Schools are subject to FOI
Academies: not subject to FOI
Students' Unions
Students' Unions are not subject to FOI. Students' Unions are regulated by the Education Act 1994. The Education Act places certain obligations on the universities and college's governing bodies to regulate students unions. It may therefore be possible to obtain information from the university or college about the activities of a students' union.
