Freedom of Information Requests
Before you make a Freedom of Information request we encourage you, first, to look at our Finding Information page. This may help you find out whether the information you seek is available online through Tate's website, through the Tate Archive or through the Tate's Publication Scheme.
The Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 established a general right of access to all types of information held by public authorities. It extended the individual's right to access information about him or herself established by the Data Protection Act 1998.
The Act came into force in January 2005 enabling anyone to make a request for information in writing. People have the right to be told whether the information is held by the public authority and to receive the information subject to certain exemptions. Some exemptions are absolute; others require the authority to consider whether the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in releasing it.
You have the right of access to information not in the Publication Scheme subject to certain exemptions.
Making a request for information
Requests for information not included in the Tate's Publication Scheme should be as specific as possible in order to enable Tate staff to answer them in the most efficient and thorough way possible.
Requests should be made in writing to:
Freedom of Information
Director's Office
Tate
Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
Email: foi@tate.org.uk
In general, a response will be given within 20 working days of receiving the request. If Tate is unable to provide you with the information that you seek, then a response setting out why the information is not available will be provided.
We do not currently charge for responding to information requests. However, Tate reserves the right to levy a charge to cover the costs of processing the request, photocopying and postage.
Complaints procedure
If you are not satisfied with Tate's response to a request for information you may initially seek an internal review or appeal of the response provided by writing to:
Freedom of Information
Director’s Office
Tate
Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
Email: foi@tate.org.uk
The review will be carried out by an independent panel comprised of Tate Trustees.
If you remain dissatisfied with Tate's response following the internal review, you may seek an independent review from the Information Commissioner.
Not all information that a public authority holds is disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act. There are a number of exemptions that may apply to information, which Tate has to consider when assessing what information can be provided.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is responsible for implementing Freedom of Information and Data Protection. The ICO website has a large amount of information about Freedom of Information and Data Protection that you may find helpful.