Access to Information | ATI | PAIA | Solutions

Access to information (ATI) is empowering. It is a mechanism to equalise the power balance between organisations (or bodies) and individuals. The more data and personal information that bodies collect, monitor and control the more essential it is that society has access to the information. Transparency means that people are empowered to make informed decisions. Unless there are good reasons, people should have access to information – there should be freedom of information.

Public bodies should give the public all information that enables citizens to make decisions and form opinions. Private bodies are not exempt from this either. Transparency enables us to:

keep a check on public bodies, and
enforce or protect our rights against public and private bodies.

Often, without information, our freedom or rights are severely curtailed.

Information is power

Use this tool to help you understand this

Download our Access to Information Infographic

Which jurisdictions should consider Access to Information?

Many countries have some form of ATI or FOI legislation that gives effect to the right to access information, including the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

What is the impact of Access to Information on your organisation

Suppose you are a body in which the public has a high level of interest, or holds a lot of information that the public might be interested in accessing. There are many things to consider because your risk is higher and, your responsibilities regarding transparency, disclosure, and reporting are greater. You need to consider things like

What volumes and types of information your organisation holds or processes?
The records you hold.
The records you hold that are not publicly available, but that someone might need to look at.
Your public interest score in terms of the Companies Act.

How we can help you

Start by taking our public interest self-assessment to determine if you are a low or high public interest organisation. Based on your answers, you can contact us to help you determine the most suitable next steps for your organisation.

If you are a low public interest organisation, then we recommend you take these steps.

If you are a high public interest organisation you will discover that in order to manage access to information in your organisation you will need a combination of services. Explore how we can help you.

Learning

You may need to train members of your organisation to learn and raise their awareness. We often brief governing bodies on ATI and run workshops for organisations. You can attend one of our public workshops or other events (or ask us to run one in-house for you). You can also get our newsletter and read our insights on contracts.