AI writing tools can make it easier for people to draft information requests. For public authorities, the operational challenge is not only whether a request used AI, but whether the team has enough structure to handle volume, duplication, and complexity.
Volume pressure needs process visibility
The ICO published guidance in May 2026 to support public authorities dealing with FOI requests that involve the use of AI. A practical response starts with a workflow that helps teams understand what has arrived, how it is categorised, and who owns the next step.
Phanera helps teams manage that pressure by centralising intake, categorisation, deadline tracking, templates, requester history, and department assignments.
- Identify repeated themes and similar requests.
- Use categories to understand demand.
- Assign requests to the right department quickly.
- Track workload across teams and deadlines.
- Use templates to improve consistency without losing judgement.
How Phanera helps
Phanera gives teams the operational visibility needed to handle changing FOI demand, including requests that may be generated or assisted by AI tools.
Keep human judgement in the workflow
Automation should not replace careful decision-making. The goal is to give staff better context, clearer queues, and easier access to previous work so they can respond confidently and consistently.
With a structured workflow, public authorities can adapt to changing request patterns without losing control of deadlines, quality, or accountability.