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Freedom of Information Staff Guidance

Introduction

This section is available to all members of staff to help develop your understanding and knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act, its implications on the College and in particular how it will effect you within your post.

Along with the overview we have compiled a summary of the Act.  We hope that this will give you a better view of the content and structure of the Act and is available by clicking above.

In Summary

  • Applies to public authorities – which includes higher education institutions
  • Gives the public the right to information
  • Sets out some exemptions from this right
  • Provides for the release of exempt information when it is in the ‘public interest’
  • Requires public authorities to produce ‘publication schemes’

 

Impact on us

We must:

 

Publication Scheme

What it is:

  • A commitment to publish certain information
  • A document setting out what categories (called ‘classes’) of information we will make available
    • How we will make the information available – printed or electronically
    • Whether we charge a fee for providing information (we do)

Why have a publication scheme?

  • It promotes greater openness – with benefits for us, as well as the public
  • It helps us prepare for individual requests for information
  • The law says so

What do you need to know?

  • That the scheme exists – you can find it in the intranet and the College website here
  • Why it is necessary
  • What it covers 
  • Who the scheme coordinator is - Records Officer

 

Dealing with requests for information

What you need to know:

  • How to recognise a request for information
  • That we have a duty to provide advice and assistance
  • What our procedure is, for dealing with individual requests and who is responsible for this
  • That it is a criminal offence to alter, deface, block, erase, destroy or conceal information to prevent disclosure

Valid requests for information:

  • Must be in writing
  • Must include the name and address of the applicant
  • Must describe the information requested
  • Applicants do not need to refer to the Act or state they are making a request for  information
  • Must be must be provided in the form requested (e.g. on paper or electronically)

 

Exemptions:

"There is no exemption for embarrassment"

Richard Thomas, Information Commissioner

 

What if they are not happy with our response?

  • We are developing a complaints procedure
  • If they are not happy with the outcome they can appeal to the Information Commissioner who could hold an Information Tribunal

 

 

Student Success

 

Service Announcements

 

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