Technical Notes 2022, Issue 130 - Audit& Risk Management Committee – Information Management Reporting 2021/22

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to update Members on Information Management performance reporting for 2021/22.
    
2. At its meeting on 16th June 2022, the Audit & Risk Management Committee considered the annual Information Management Performance Report for 2021/22.  During consideration, Members requested more information relating to the apparent drop in performance in Roads & Environment and Older Peoples Social Work. 

Older Peoples Social Work

3. The Report shows that 13 freedom of information (FOI) requests were responded to outwith the required 20 days.  Of these, 3 were answered on day 21.  Others were delayed due to a number of factors including the impact of COVID absences in both Social Work and Information Management, pressure of other demands as a consequence of the pandemic and others due to misfiling/misallocation.  The Head of Service has reminded teams of the importance of handling requests in good time and escalating any potential problems where appropriate.

Roads & Environment

4. The Report shows that the Service dealt with 97 enquiries.  Of these, 79 were responded to within the 20 day period.  Of these, 18 were late.  Further analysis highlights that the issue was specific to the Road Network Operations Team.  Unfortunately, it would appear that this was a result of a combination of factors including staff turnover, training new staff, familiarisation and also technical difficulties accessing the FOI Database.  On a positive note all of the aforementioned issues appear to have been resolved and the Executive Officer for the Service will continue to monitor the incoming and outgoing responses.
    
5. In addition to the above, the Information Management Team will provide support as required.