Access to Information

Freedom of Information  

All requests for information (other than personal) have to be dealt with under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). (Environmental information is any information which relates to the environment e.g. air, water, emissions, noise, waste, landscape)

Read the Probation Freedom of Information Policy.

Find out more about how to request information under Freedom of Information.

Legislation

Under FOIA and EIR the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI), which is a non departmental public body (NDPB), has a legal obligation to provide information through an approved publication scheme and in response to written requests.

Publication Scheme

PBNI has adopted the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Model Publication Scheme as at September 2013.  The scheme sets out the Board’s commitment to proactively publish information in accordance with its obligations under FOIA. In keeping with its obligation under the Scheme, Probation has set out under the Publication Scheme publications available under the seven classes of information outlined in the Model Publication Scheme and within the definition document for non departmental public bodies.

These documents can be made available in a different format or language, if required, on request, by emailing info@probation-ni.gov.uk or by writing to PBNI HQ, Communications Unit, 80/90 North Street, Belfast BT1 1LD.

Requests for information not on the Publication Scheme

Before you decide to make a request, please check that the information isn’t already available on our website. There is no charge for this information and it will save you having to make a written request.
How to request information under FOIA/EIR

Personal information

If you believe PBNI holds personal information on you, you can request access to this under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). Find out how to request your personal information under DPA 

Our Privacy Notices explain why we might hold information on you and how we use it.

Information Charter

Our Information Charter sets out the standards you can expect from the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) when you request information from Probation.  

Legislation

Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA)

Useful links

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PBNI

We may occasionally use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support our work, including assisting with the drafting, editing or summarising of materials. AI is used as a supportive tool and does not replace professional judgement, decision-making or human oversight.

 

Where generative AI is used, appropriate steps are taken to review information for accuracy, relevance and suitability before it is used or published. The use of AI is subject to our existing requirements for information governance, data protection, security and confidentiality.

 

We remain responsible and accountable for the work we produce and for decisions made by our staff. As our use of AI develops, we will continue to consider its responsible, transparent and appropriate use.