Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Ryan Jarvis made this Freedom of Information request to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Automatic anti-spam measures are in place for this older request. Please let us know if a further response is expected or if you are having trouble responding.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
I am reaching out in line with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to kindly request some details.
To this end, I would appreciate answers to the following enquiries:
1. Please can you share any policies, procedures, guidelines, or related documents pertaining to Child Safeguarding that were in effect between January 2015 and December 2018?
2. Please may I have a record of the number of safeguarding referrals made concerning staff of the neonatal unit from January 2015 through December 2018?
3. Please can you confirm how many referrals the trust made to the Disclosure and Barring Service between January 2015 and December 2018, specifically regarding concerns that staff might pose a threat to children, in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006?
Your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated.
Best wishes
Mr Ryan Jarvis LLB (Hons)
Hello,
Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Freedom of information only applies to corporate information; this e-mail confirms receipt of your request for this type of information only.
Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act we will expect to respond to this request in 20 working days. However we are now investigating the nature of the search and the quantity of information requested. If there is a cost involved in collecting the information then we will suspend the period for response until such time as we receive your payment. We will advise you of any such costs.
In accordance with section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 where multiple requests for information are received from one person or by different persons who appear to be acting in together in a single campaign the estimated cost of complying with any of the requests is to be taken to be the estimated total cost of complying with all of them. To this effect your requests for information will be dealt with under the single reference number above.
There are also a number of exemptions which the Act permits with respect to releasing information. The information will be assessed for these exemptions prior to us releasing the information to you. We will advise you if we are unable to provide the information requested.
Please note that a significant amount of information is also available via our Publication Scheme which can be accessed via the Trust’s website http://www.coch.nhs.uk/ and one of its benefits is that it makes information easily accessible and without charge.
Best Wishes,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.
I am writing to request an update on my Freedom of Information (FOI) request, which I submitted to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on August 19, 2023.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days, unless there are exceptional circumstances. It has now been 21 working days since I submitted my request, and I have not yet received a response.
I am concerned that the response to my request is delayed. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with an update on the status of my request and an estimated date when I can expect to receive a response.
If I do not receive a response to my request within the next 5 working days, I will be forced to refer my complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/c...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the response to your Freedom of Information request.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Sent: 19 September 2023 01:15
To: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Child
Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
[You don't often get email from
[FOI #1016338 email]. Learn why this is important
at [1]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]
This message originated from outside of NHSmail. Please do not click links
or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an update on my Freedom of Information (FOI)
request, which I submitted to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust on August 19, 2023.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required
to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days, unless there are
exceptional circumstances. It has now been 21 working days since I
submitted my request, and I have not yet received a response.
I am concerned that the response to my request is delayed. I would
appreciate it if you could provide me with an update on the status of my
request and an estimated date when I can expect to receive a response.
If I do not receive a response to my request within the next 5 working
days, I will be forced to refer my complaint to the Information
Commissioner's Office.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[2]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1016338 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[4]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
[5]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's handling of my FOI request 'Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust'.
Points for Review:
Timeliness of Response: The response was significantly delayed without any explanation or apology for the delay. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 mandates a response within 20 working days, and this was not adhered to.
Exemption on Referrals to the DBS: The Trust's reliance on section 40(2) and (3A) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, citing personal data concerns, seems misplaced. The request was for a numerical figure of referrals, not individual details. Furthermore, it has been publicly confirmed that a search was conducted on 22nd August 2023 by the Disclosure and Barring Service for cases referred by the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to DBS between 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2018, and no referrals were found. (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/r...) This appears to contradict the Trust's position.
Exemption on Ongoing Criminal Processes: While I acknowledge the sensitivity surrounding ongoing criminal processes, the request was for historical data between January 2015 and December 2018. It's unclear how releasing this data would prejudice ongoing investigations.
Exemption under Section 32: The Trust's reliance on section 32 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, stating that some information is held 'only by virtue' of being contained in documents for criminal court or inquiry processes, is ambiguous. Clarification is needed on which specific parts of the request this pertains to and why this exemption is relevant.
In relation to the request for child protection policies and procedures, I would like to highlight that the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a statutory obligation to provide such information. This obligation is enshrined in several pieces of legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, Childcare Act 2006, Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and the Housing Act 1996. Furthermore, the "Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018" statutory guidance explicitly details the responsibilities and expectations of organisations in ensuring the welfare and safety of children. Denying access to these policies and procedures not only contravenes the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act but also undermines the transparency and accountability mechanisms set out in the aforementioned statutes and guidance.
I believe that the public interest in understanding the Trust's actions and procedures during the specified period outweighs the reasons provided for non-disclosure. I kindly request that the Trust re-evaluate the exemptions applied and provide a more comprehensive response.
Should the outcome of this internal review not be satisfactory, I reserve the right to escalate the matter to the Information Commissioner's Office.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/c...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the response to your request for internal review.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Sent: 29 October 2023 23:52
To: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Child
Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
This message originated from outside of NHSmail. Please do not click links
or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of Countess of Chester Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust's handling of my FOI request 'Child Safeguarding
Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust'.
Points for Review:
Timeliness of Response: The response was significantly delayed without any
explanation or apology for the delay. The Freedom of Information Act 2000
mandates a response within 20 working days, and this was not adhered to.
Exemption on Referrals to the DBS: The Trust's reliance on section 40(2)
and (3A) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, citing personal data
concerns, seems misplaced. The request was for a numerical figure of
referrals, not individual details. Furthermore, it has been publicly
confirmed that a search was conducted on 22nd August 2023 by the
Disclosure and Barring Service for cases referred by the Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to DBS between 1st January 2015 to
31st December 2018, and no referrals were found.
([1]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...)
This appears to contradict the Trust's position.
Exemption on Ongoing Criminal Processes: While I acknowledge the
sensitivity surrounding ongoing criminal processes, the request was for
historical data between January 2015 and December 2018. It's unclear how
releasing this data would prejudice ongoing investigations.
Exemption under Section 32: The Trust's reliance on section 32 of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000, stating that some information is held
'only by virtue' of being contained in documents for criminal court or
inquiry processes, is ambiguous. Clarification is needed on which specific
parts of the request this pertains to and why this exemption is relevant.
In relation to the request for child protection policies and procedures, I
would like to highlight that the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS
Foundation Trust has a statutory obligation to provide such information.
This obligation is enshrined in several pieces of legislation, including
the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, Childcare Act 2006, Crime and
Disorder Act 1998, and the Housing Act 1996. Furthermore, the "Working
Together to Safeguard Children 2018" statutory guidance explicitly details
the responsibilities and expectations of organisations in ensuring the
welfare and safety of children. Denying access to these policies and
procedures not only contravenes the spirit of the Freedom of Information
Act but also undermines the transparency and accountability mechanisms set
out in the aforementioned statutes and guidance.
I believe that the public interest in understanding the Trust's actions
and procedures during the specified period outweighs the reasons provided
for non-disclosure. I kindly request that the Trust re-evaluate the
exemptions applied and provide a more comprehensive response.
Should the outcome of this internal review not be satisfactory, I reserve
the right to escalate the matter to the Information Commissioner's Office.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[2]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1016338 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[4]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
[5]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
Ryan Jarvis left an annotation ()
The Information Commissioner has today confirmed the following:
"Thank you for your complaint and supporting information about the above public authority’s handling of your request for information. Your complaint is now eligible for investigation. We will allocate it to a case officer as soon as we can. The focus of their investigation will be to determine whether the public authority handled your request in accordance with the legislation."
Ryan Jarvis left an annotation ()
22 January 2024
Case Reference: IC-278988-R7W7
Public Authority: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Dear Ryan Jarvis
I am writing to let you know I have been assigned to investigate your complaint about the above public authority. I have been in contact with the Trust to obtain their final arguments and will be back in contact with you when I am in a position to make a decision.
I note you have provided arguments in support of your complaint in your submission to the ICO but if there is anything further you would like to add, particularly in reference to the public interest in the information, please do take this opportunity to do so.
Yours sincerely,
Senior Case Officer
Information Commissioner's Office
Ryan Jarvis left an annotation ()
28 January 2024
Dear Information Commissioner,
I hope you are well and sincerely apologise for the delay in responding to your request for further information.
I am writing in continuation of my previous correspondence concerning the Freedom of Information request to the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. I appreciate the opportunity to further elaborate on the public interest arguments for disclosure, as informed by the legal principles under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA 2000).
The Right to Know and Public Interest
Under FOIA 2000, there is a fundamental 'right to know', which affirms the general right of access to information held by a public authority. This right is critical for promoting transparency and accountability in public services, particularly in sensitive areas like child safeguarding. The disclosure of the requested information aligns with this principle by shedding light on the Trust's handling of child safeguarding issues, thereby serving the public interest.
Duty to Confirm or Deny
The FOIA 2000 imposes a duty on authorities to confirm or deny whether they hold information specified in a request. While the Trust has cited exemptions, it is pertinent to argue that the public interest in understanding how the Trust has addressed child safeguarding outweighs these exemptions. The requested information does not seek personal details but pertains to policies and aggregated data, which are crucial for public scrutiny.
The Duty to Communicate Information
Given the Trust's duty to communicate information, unless an exemption applies, it is essential to emphasise that the public interest in the case at hand favours disclosure. The information requested is vital for assessing the effectiveness and adequacy of child safeguarding measures during a critical period.
Public Interest Test
As per the qualified exemptions under FOIA 2000, it is necessary to apply the public interest test. In this context, the public interest in disclosing information about the Trust's safeguarding policies and procedures is paramount. It directly relates to public safety and the well-being of children, which are matters of significant public concern.
Precedence of Public Interest
While respecting the ongoing criminal and regulatory processes, it is essential to consider that the disclosure of historical policy documents and aggregated data is unlikely to prejudice these proceedings. The public interest in understanding the Trust's past practices, especially in light of recent events, is of considerable importance.
Ensuring Compliance with the Children Act 1989
The disclosure of the requested information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is not only in alignment with the principles of transparency and accountability but also ensures that the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is acting in good faith concerning the Children Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments. This Act, a cornerstone in child welfare legislation, mandates that organisations involved in the care of children must operate with their best interests as a paramount concern. By providing information on their child safeguarding policies and practices, the Trust would demonstrate its commitment to these principles. Such transparency would not only reinforce public trust but also affirm the Trust's dedication to the fundamental tenets of the Children Act, which emphasises the welfare and protection of children as a primary consideration in all actions and decisions taken by public bodies.
Principle of Subject-Blindness in FOI Requests
In the context of Freedom of Information requests, it is crucial to adhere to the principle of 'subject-blindness'. This means that the Trust, or any public authority, should process requests for information without making assumptions or judgements about the motives or intended use of the information by the requester. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is designed to facilitate access to information irrespective of the underlying purpose of the request. This principle ensures an unbiased, fair, and consistent approach to the disclosure of information, preventing any form of discrimination based on the perceived intentions or the identity of the requester. It is imperative that the Trust adheres to this principle, thereby upholding the spirit of the FOIA, which is rooted in transparency and equal access to information for all, regardless of the context or purpose of the enquiry.
In light of these points and adhering to the principles and duties under the FOIA 2000, I urge the ICO to recognise the overriding public interest in the disclosure of the requested information. Such disclosure is fundamental to ensuring that public authorities are held accountable, particularly in matters as critical as child safeguarding.
Thank you for your consideration of these points.
Best wishes
Ryan
Good Afternoon,
Please see the attached correspondence. The documents referred to within
the response will be sent in a separate email due to the size.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 25 October 2023 16:02
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Cc: [email address] <[email address]>
Subject: FOI 7446; Reference: IC-261282-Y7B2 Re: Internal review of
Freedom of Information request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral
Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the response to your Freedom of Information request.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Sent: 19 September 2023 01:15
To: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Child
Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
[You don't often get email from
[FOI #1016338 email]. Learn why this is important
at [1]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
This message originated from outside of NHSmail. Please do not click links
or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an update on my Freedom of Information (FOI)
request, which I submitted to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust on August 19, 2023.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required
to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days, unless there are
exceptional circumstances. It has now been 21 working days since I
submitted my request, and I have not yet received a response.
I am concerned that the response to my request is delayed. I would
appreciate it if you could provide me with an update on the status of my
request and an estimated date when I can expect to receive a response.
If I do not receive a response to my request within the next 5 working
days, I will be forced to refer my complaint to the Information
Commissioner's Office.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[2]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1016338 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[4]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
[5]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
Good Afternoon,
Further to the below email, please find the documents attached.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 05 February 2024 16:25
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Subject: Re: FOI 7446 Re: Internal review of Freedom of Information
request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please see the attached correspondence. The documents referred to within
the response will be sent in a separate email due to the size.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 25 October 2023 16:02
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Cc: [email address] <[email address]>
Subject: FOI 7446; Reference: IC-261282-Y7B2 Re: Internal review of
Freedom of Information request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral
Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the response to your Freedom of Information request.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Sent: 19 September 2023 01:15
To: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Child
Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
[You don't often get email from
[FOI #1016338 email]. Learn why this is important
at [1]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
This message originated from outside of NHSmail. Please do not click links
or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an update on my Freedom of Information (FOI)
request, which I submitted to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust on August 19, 2023.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required
to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days, unless there are
exceptional circumstances. It has now been 21 working days since I
submitted my request, and I have not yet received a response.
I am concerned that the response to my request is delayed. I would
appreciate it if you could provide me with an update on the status of my
request and an estimated date when I can expect to receive a response.
If I do not receive a response to my request within the next 5 working
days, I will be forced to refer my complaint to the Information
Commissioner's Office.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[2]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1016338 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[4]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
[5]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
Good Afternoon,
Please find the documents attached as referred to in the below emails.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 05 February 2024 16:27
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Subject: Re: FOI 7446 Re: Internal review of Freedom of Information
request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Further to the below email, please find the documents attached.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 05 February 2024 16:25
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Subject: Re: FOI 7446 Re: Internal review of Freedom of Information
request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please see the attached correspondence. The documents referred to within
the response will be sent in a separate email due to the size.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 25 October 2023 16:02
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Cc: [email address] <[email address]>
Subject: FOI 7446; Reference: IC-261282-Y7B2 Re: Internal review of
Freedom of Information request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral
Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the response to your Freedom of Information request.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Sent: 19 September 2023 01:15
To: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Child
Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
[You don't often get email from
[FOI #1016338 email]. Learn why this is important
at [1]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
This message originated from outside of NHSmail. Please do not click links
or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.
Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an update on my Freedom of Information (FOI)
request, which I submitted to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust on August 19, 2023.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required
to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days, unless there are
exceptional circumstances. It has now been 21 working days since I
submitted my request, and I have not yet received a response.
I am concerned that the response to my request is delayed. I would
appreciate it if you could provide me with an update on the status of my
request and an estimated date when I can expect to receive a response.
If I do not receive a response to my request within the next 5 working
days, I will be forced to refer my complaint to the Information
Commissioner's Office.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[2]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1016338 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[4]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
[5]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
Please find attached the final email of documents.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 05 February 2024 16:27
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Subject: Re: FOI 7446 Re: Internal review of Freedom of Information
request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Further to the below email, please find the documents attached.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 05 February 2024 16:25
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Subject: Re: FOI 7446 Re: Internal review of Freedom of Information
request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please see the attached correspondence. The documents referred to within
the response will be sent in a separate email due to the size.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Sent: 25 October 2023 16:02
To: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Cc: [email address] <[email address]>
Subject: FOI 7446; Reference: IC-261282-Y7B2 Re: Internal review of
Freedom of Information request - Child Safeguarding Policies and Referral
Records (2015-2018) at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the response to your Freedom of Information request.
Kind Regards,
Freedom of Information Officer
Countess of Chester Hospital
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
From: Ryan Jarvis <[FOI #1016338 email]>
Sent: 19 September 2023 01:15
To: FOI, Enquiries (COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
<[Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust request email]>
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Child
Safeguarding Policies and Referral Records (2015-2018) at Countess of
Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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Dear Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an update on my Freedom of Information (FOI)
request, which I submitted to Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust on August 19, 2023.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required
to respond to FOI requests within 20 working days, unless there are
exceptional circumstances. It has now been 21 working days since I
submitted my request, and I have not yet received a response.
I am concerned that the response to my request is delayed. I would
appreciate it if you could provide me with an update on the status of my
request and an estimated date when I can expect to receive a response.
If I do not receive a response to my request within the next 5 working
days, I will be forced to refer my complaint to the Information
Commissioner's Office.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[2]https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Ryan Jarvis
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Ryan Jarvis left an annotation ()
Formal Referral to the Information Commissioner's Office Regarding Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's FOIA Response
I have formally referred the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for an independent review of their response and internal review concerning the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 request. This action follows the Trust's significant delays and what is perceived as inappropriate application of FOIA exemptions in handling the request for information on child safeguarding policies and referral records from 2015 to 2018. My concern is heightened by the Trust's reference to unrelated matters, such as the Lucy Letby case, and a potential culture of non-compliance with safeguarding and statutory obligations. It is believed this matter is of substantial public interest and look forward to the ICO's thorough investigation to ensure transparency and adherence to legal obligations.