November 17, 2025 | Organisational Information and Performance , Policies
Request Number: FOI/16109
Category: Organisational Information & Performance - Policies
Subject: Pension Scheme
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) does hold information to which your request relates.
However the decision has been made not to supply the information you have requested as the Information is Reasonably Accessible by Other Means. Therefore Section 21 of FOI Act applies and our rationale is set out in more detail below.
We have also provided you with links to guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office, which we have followed in responding to your request.
Question
This matter relates to the PSNI Pension Scheme.
I believe that the Pension Scheme has an internal dispute resolution procedure as required under sections 50 to 50B of the Pensions Act 1995.
I wish to have a copy of the schemes complaints policy/procedure in relation to a complaint being made, and, this should include time frames.
Answer
This request is being refused as the Information is Reasonably Accessible by Other Means. Please see our rationale below.
This policy is in the public domain and is accessible through the Scheme managers website (NIPB). Please see link below:
Complaints and Internal Dispute Resolution | Northern Ireland Policing Board
Exemption explained
Section 17(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the Police Service of Northern Ireland, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide you the applicant with a notice which:
- states that fact,
- specifies the exemption in question and
- states (if not otherwise apparent) why the exemption applies.
The exemption/s, as well as the factors the Department considered when deciding where the public interest lies, are listed below:
Section 21(1) - Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means - Information which is reasonably accessible to the applicant otherwise than under section 1 is exempt information.
The full text of exemptions can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk and further guidance on how they operate can be located on the Information Commissioners Office website www.ico.org.uk.