Freedom of Information

Since the UK left the EU, the Offshore Major Accident Regulator (OMAR) is now the UKs Offshore Competent Authority (previously known as the Offshore Safety Directive Regulator (OSDR). How HSE regulate the offshore industry stays the same. Our guidance will be updated to reflect this change.

OMAR disclosure of information

Document Identification: Disclosure of Information
Publication Date: 28/11/2022 (Rev 1)
Review Due: November 2027
Target Audience: All Stakeholders
Internal Reference: CM9: 2021/205646
Document Owner: OMAR Working Group

This document outlines the working arrangements between HSE (ED) and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment & Decommissioning (OPRED) (OPRED) in relation to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

Disclosure of Information is not exclusive to the Offshore Major Accident Regulator partnership activities. All areas of mutual interest will be handled via this process.

Further information on HSE and OPRED FOI and EIR policy can be found at:

The FOI Act and EIR came into force in UK law on 1 January 2005. The aim of FOI and EIR is to make public authorities more open and accountable. The legislation provides a general right of access to information, subject to exemptions, exceptions and qualifications. HSE (ED) and OPRED have an obligation to respond to requests for access to information under this legislation and are legally obliged to respond within strict and prescribed deadlines.

HSE (ED) and OPRED working arrangements

Where disclosure of information may impact on the other organisation, HSE (ED)/OPRED will share information to ensure an appropriate and aligned approach recognising that HSE (ED) and OPRED will have to comply with FOI and EIR legal obligation to disclose information. This means:

making each other aware of any request for information of common interest;
making each other aware of any significant disclosure of information to the public;
meetings to share issues, experiences and good practice;
requests by either organisation for the exchange of information with the other to be met under normal business, subject to any statutory provisions; and
co-operation and assistance where appropriate.

Methods of communication

HSE (ED) will contact OPRED via [email protected] on receipt of any information request of common interest; OPRED will contact HSE via OPREDliaison@hse. gov.uk on receipt of any new information request of common interest;
HSE (ED)/OPRED will keep each other advised on progress and response dates for information requests;
HSE (ED) and OPRED will consider the need to convene a meeting to review the working arrangements, and to share experiences as required.