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:

Methods of communication

Updated: 2022-11-29