FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
Please note the text of this request has been reproduced exactly as received.
FOI Reference number: FOI 31/2024
Date: 23 April 2024
Request:
Please could I have the following documents relating to the selected Medical practitioners
(SMPS) in the Ill Health retirement process between the years of 2017 - 2023:
1 All training/instructional materials supplied to or by the SMPs during the above time period
Answer –
Please find attached the Joint Guidance 2016 (Version 2) document provided to Selected
Medical Practitioners (SMP) during the specified period.
2 All guidance documents supplied to or used by the SMPs during the above time period
Answer –
Please see answer to question 1.
I note that there is two documents circulating on line relating to this part of the request. One
document is dated 2016 (Version 2) and the second is dated 2017 (version 3). The 2017
document has been updated with additional information and contains the terms as follows "This
is the second version of this guidance and it is a living document which will be updated on a
regular basis to reflect the legislation, policies, procedures and guidance. A copy of this
guidance will be published on the NIPB's website."
The 2017 document is not published on the NIPB website. There is no mention of a number of
recent judicial reviews in the current guidance document so therefore I am requesting the most
up to date guidance document used by the Board to guide the Selected Medical Practitioners
Answer
The Joint Guidance 2016 (Version 2) is the only guidance document provided to Selected
Medical Practitioners. At present and during the time period of 2017- 2023 Joint Guidance 2016
(Version 2) has not been replaced by any other versions.
If you have queries about this request or the decision, please contact the Board quoting the
reference number above. If you are unhappy with the service you have received and wish to
make a complaint or request a review you should contact the Board’s Chief Executive -
Via Email
: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Or in writing at the following address:
Northern Ireland Policing Board
James House
Block D
2 – 4 Cromac Avenue
The Gasworks
Belfast
BT7 2JA
You should contact the Board within 40 working days of this response.
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the
Information Commissioner. Generally, the Information Commissioner’s Office cannot
investigate or make a decision on a case unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure
provided by the Board. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at the following web
link –
www.ico.org.uk/foicomplaints
or in writing at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
SK9 5AF
Telephone: - 0303 1231114
Email: -
xx@xxx.xxx.xx
Please be advised that Policing Board replies under Freedom of Information may be released
into the public domain via our website @
www.nipolicingboard.org.uk.
Personal details in respect of your request have, where applicable, been removed to protect
confidentiality.