The ICO exists to empower you through information.

Our directorate enables transparency through handling FOI cases, developing FOI policy and engaging with public authorities.

Our work in this area helps inform public debate, shines a light on how decisions have been made, helps public bodies comply with the law and demonstrates the value of transparency.

We uphold information rights by resolving freedom of information complaints and ensuring information is released when the law says it should be. We deal with cases proportionately, prioritising significant cases and using our resources appropriately to resolve cases in line with the public interest and take proportionate action against those public authorities who do not uphold information rights. 

We create guidance and policy products to support our staff and improve the practices of those we regulate. We engage and liaise with our stakeholders to increase transparency and provide upstream regulatory support to public authorities to enable them to perform their statutory duties and prevent breaches of access to information legislation from occurring.