Sometimes you will know everything you need to know for a campaign - other times you will need to look up information.

Find out how to find the information you need, as easily as possible.

How to get information to help your campaign

Getting information

You need different information for every action. Think about what information you need and why you need it.

• Information about the people who make the relevant decisions?
• Records of people's decisions, actions and reasoning?
• Stories, facts and figures to make your point?
• Proof that your solution is workable?

How can you get the information?

• Informal discussions?
• Formal meetings?
• From the internet?
• In a library?
• Requesting information from an organisation?
• Doing your own empirical research?

Is the information accessible to you?

• Request it in formats you can read
• The Equality Act requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to enable disabled people to access their services. Often, providing information in an accessible format is a reasonable adjustment
• Ask the library or organisation if they have assistive technology that can help you access it (CCTV, scanner, computers with screen magnification, speech or braille).
• Look for an alternative source of information that is accessible.

What if an organisation doesn't want to give the information?

If it's a public authority, such as local authority, government department or health authority, the Freedom of Information Act, requires them to make information available. They can charge a fee. They must comply within 20 days of receiving payment.

If the information is about yourself, the Data Protection Act gives you the right to access it. You must make the request in writing. They can charge a small fee and must respond within 40 days.

Contact us if you need further information.