NASACRE are aware that a number of LAs/SACREs have recently received Freedom of Information (FOI) requests relating to SACRE existence and membership. We want to offer clear and consistent advice to support your responses. 

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required to confirm or deny whether the requested information is held and to disclose it unless an exemption applies. In this case, the information being requested is already in the public domain through the published SACRE Annual Reports (on the NASACRE Website). 

Our advice is therefore straightforward: you may respond by confirming that the information requested is already publicly accessible and directing the requester to the relevant published source. This satisfies your duty under Section 1 of the FOI Act, which requires either disclosure or confirmation that the information is otherwise accessible to the applicant. 

You do not need to generate new documentation or provide additional commentary beyond signposting the existing public material. If you wish, you may also note that Section 21 of the FOI Act (Information Accessible by Other Means) applies, as the data is already available without the need for an FOI request. 

If you encounter any unusual or complex requests, please feel free to contact NASACRE for further guidance. 

Paul Smalley Executive Officer, NASACRE