Note on FOI for suppliers to public authorities

​​Information that may be released under FOI law

​The Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 came into force in January 2015. This gives the public the right of access to information held by public authorities.

What you could be asked for

A public authority may be asked questions about its various activities and it is probable that questions will be asked on financial matters eg travel and conference expenses, contracts and the su​pplies of goods and services.

Information may need to be released under the FOI law if it is:

• held by us about a supplier of goods and services to a public authority
• held by a supplier in relation to a public authority contract or related provision of supplies to a public authority

While a supplier's own working processes won't be disclosed under FOI, documents or other information produced by a supplier related to work undertaken under a contract with the public authority may need to be released under the law. 

Exemptions

Sometimes the disclosure of certain information will be exempt under FOI legislation. Whether any exemptions apply will be a matter for the public authority to determine. 

​One of the factors a public authority must take into account is whether the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it. Any decision made to release information is at the absolute discretion of the public authority. 

As a matter of best practice, public authorities will consult with a supplier prior to the release of information. 

Further information 

If you currently have a contract with a public authority for the supply of goods and services, or if you are considering responding to a tender process or brief issued by a public authority, contact the States of Jersey procurement team.

Email procurement team​​