Webinar: Unlocking information: Freedom of Information requests in legal and advocacy work

Freedom of Information (FOI) is a powerful and practical tool for obtaining information and uncovering systemic issues.

FOI responses have served as critical evidence in legal cases concerning exploitation and immigration policy in the UK. This includes where concerns about transparency in deportation practices led to the Home Office being ordered to disclose information on emergency travel documents, and in relation to the racism that underpinned the Windrush scandal. Medical Justice has just started publishing data on detention that that they have obtained via Freedom of Information requests and we echo the encouragement for the rest of the sector to also do this.

FOI requests have proven invaluable in modern slavery law, research and advocacy. After Exploitation has used them to uncover widespread detention of trafficking survivors, failings in Home Office decision-making and other barriers to justice for survivors of exploitation.

In this webinar, we’re going to explain how FOI requests can strengthen legal cases and drive change. We will be covering:

• The FOI Act and how it can support your work
• The types of information accessible through FOI requests
• How to challenge FOI rejections
• How to use FOI responses for broader impact

Presenter

Maya Esslemont. Maya (they/them) is the director of After Exploitation, a non-profit which uses Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to track down hard-to-reach data on the mistreatment and injustice facing survivors of modern slavery in the UK. Their investigations include the first expose outlining the frequency with which survivors of modern slavery are detained under Immigration Powers, wrongful refusals to provide support to survivors, and failures by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to provide compensation to victims with a legal entitlement to them.

Audience

Level: introductory

This webinar is aimed at lawyers, caseworkers, researchers, campaigners and academics who want to learn how to effectively use Freedom of Information (FOI) requests as a tool to uncover crucial evidence and drive meaningful change.

It is designed as an introduction and will not be suitable for people who have extensive experience submitting and challenging FOIs.

Booking

The ticket cost is £50 + VAT for members and £60 + VAT for non-members. Members, to secure your discount, please log in to your Free Movement account before booking.

We are running an early bird discount on tickets until 23:59 on Wednesday 15th January 2025. Use code “FOIREQUESTS290125” for 20% off.

Important notes

• A recording of the webinar is NOT included in the ticket price.
• After the webinar, you will be emailed a copy of any presentation slides.
• If you would like a certificate of attendance for your continuing professional development record after the webinar has finished, please email editor@freemovement.org.uk.
• Refund policy: We understand that circumstances can change. Cancellation and refund is possible with no questions asked up to 7 days before the webinar is due to begin. Please contact editor@freemovement.org.uk.