Request overview tab — request status, key dates, scope, extensions, clock pauses, and timeline summary
Last updated: March 29, 2026 by Steve
Request Overview
The Overview tab is the main information screen when you open a request. It provides a summary of the request's current state, key dates, and scope.
Editable Fields
The following fields can be updated on the Overview tab:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | A descriptive title for the request. |
| Description | Summary of what information is being requested. |
| Scope | Date range and subject matter that define the boundaries of the request. |
| Keywords | Terms to help categorize and search for the request. |
| Information Categories | The types of information relevant to this request. |
| Priority | Low, Normal, High, or Urgent. |
| Complexity | Simple, Moderate, or Complex. |
| Status | The current lifecycle status of the request. |
Request Lifecycle
Requests move through the following statuses:
Draft → Active → In Review → Closed
A request can also move between Active and On Hold as needed.
Status Transitions
| From | To | When |
|---|---|---|
| Draft | Active | The request is ready to begin processing. |
| Active | In Review | Documents have been collected and the request is ready for review. |
| Active | On Hold | Processing is paused, e.g., waiting for the requestor to clarify their request or pay fees. |
| On Hold | Active | The hold reason is resolved and processing resumes. |
| In Review | Closed | Review is complete and the response has been sent. |
| Closed | Active | The request is reopened — see Reopening a Closed Request. |
Closed Requests Are Read-Only
Once a request is closed, a banner appears at the top of the details panel confirming the lock. Assignments, tasks, documents, and collaboration records can be viewed but not edited. Post-closure correspondence (acknowledgments, appeals, follow-up letters) remains available under the Requestor tab so you can continue to log legitimate activity without reopening.
Reopening a Closed Request
If you need to make substantive changes after closure — for example, an appeal has been filed, a clerical correction is required, or new responsive documents have surfaced — click Reopen request in the closed-request banner. A dialog asks for a reason; the reason is recorded in the activity log alongside the state change, together with the original close date for reference. Reopening sets the status back to Active. Only Administrators and Subject Access Officers can reopen a request.
Extensions and Clock Pauses
The Extensions section allows you to adjust the statutory deadline when legislation permits.
Adding a Deadline Extension
To add an extension:
- Click Add Extension in the Extensions section.
- Select an extension reason from the configured list.
- Enter the new deadline or the number of additional days.
- Save the extension.
Adding a Clock Pause
A clock pause temporarily stops the statutory deadline clock, for example during a fee negotiation or while waiting for the requestor to narrow their request.
- Click Add Clock Pause.
- Set the start date for the pause.
- When the pause reason is resolved, return and set the end date to resume the clock.
All extensions and clock pauses are recorded in the request's activity history, providing a complete audit trail.