E-mail correspondence re my complaint against Richard Lole

Summary

The requester sought email correspondence between the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and the Public Services Commission regarding a complaint against Richard Lole after an initial informal request was declined due to recusal. The Information Commissioner upheld the request partially, though the provided text primarily outlines the appeal process and closes the review.

Key Facts

• The request concerns email exchanges regarding a complaint against Richard Lole.
• An initial informal request was refused by the recipient who recused themselves from the investigation.
• The case was reviewed by the Information Commissioner with an outcome of 'Upheld - partial'.
• The response details the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.
• The request was formally closed by the authority on the date of the response.

Data Disclosed

• 2019-10-08
• 2019-10-14
• 2019-12-02
• 2 pages
• 1 document
• Freedom of Information Act 2005
• Freedom of Information Act 2015
• Part 2

Original Request

In my e-mail to XX dated the 8th October 2019 I asked him to let me have " copies of all e-mail exchanges between you and the Public Services Commission regarding my complaint". XX replied on the 14th October 2019 and said - "Please note, as I may now be subject to part of this investigation I will recuse myself from this matter and will not be engaging in any further communication or answering any further questions on this matter unless instructed to do so by my managers." I'm left with little option, therefore, but to request this information formally by way of this Freedom of Information Request. The Freedom of Information Act 2005 defines "information" as meaning "information recorded in any form".

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely