Clearly set out the benefits of using WhatDoTheyKnow to make a request rather than making a request privately

[RichardTaylor]

We could list benefits prominently on the help pages, and perhaps even on the front page.

Benefits we could list:

• Making a request via WhatDoTheyKnow means the response will be automatically made available online for you, and others, to cite, when taking action based on it.

• Making a request via WhatDoTheyKnow is better than using a "signed-for" or "recorded delivery" letter. WhatDoTheyKnow acts as a third party able to confirm your request was sent, and was delivered, to the public body.

• The WhatDoTheyKnow system will alert you if a response to your request becomes overdue, or if you have outstanding actions to take on correspondence, such as providing clarification or classifying the response.

• The WhatDoTheyKnow system offers advice on challenging refusals to provide information.

• Many people browse WhatDoTheyKnow and have alerts set up for certain bodies and keywords. Others with an interest in the subject of your request may spot it and act on it. Many local journalists are signed up for alerts on requests/responses to their local bodies.

• WhatDoTheyKnow take on the responsibility for publishing the response, and will seek to defend its publication and deal with any requests to take the material down.

• WhatDoTheyKnow supports whistleblowers and enables requests to be made under pseudonyms (though do see our advice on this subject).

[The above are notes, not proposed finalised text]

[garethrees]

Related to #810, #825, #791

[RichardTaylor]

A specific benefit of publishing correspondence showing how requests for information have been handled is that the material becomes available to regulators, elected reps, and those responsible for governing, scrutinising and regulating the body in question.

[HelenWDTK]

This issue is being closed due to a lack of discussion or resolution for over 12 months. Should we decide to revisit this issue in the future, it can be reopened.