Second Induction Session for Newly Appointed Information Officers

The Information Commission today held its second induction session for newly appointed Information Officers (IOs) for 2026.

The Commission holds two induction sessions each year for new IOs appointed by different public bodies. The session was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Information Commission, Ms Diana Benoit, and Senior Information Analyst, Ms Mina Accouche.

The induction focused on the roles and responsibilities of IOs under the Access to Information Act, 2018. It covered how to receive and process requests for information, response timeframes, reviews and appeals, third-party information and exemptions under the Act.

The session also covered record keeping, Information Manuals, annual reporting, proactive disclosure, common challenges faced by IOs, compliance audits and the possible consequences of non-compliance.

Access to official information is a constitutional right under Article 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles. IOs therefore play an important role in helping members of the public exercise this right and in ensuring that their respective public bodies meet the requirements of the Act.

The induction forms part of the Commission’s mandate to promote awareness and understanding of the Access to Information Act and strengthen its implementation across public bodies.