Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information – Publication Scheme for Colleges of Further Education

1. Legal requirement

1.1 Adopting a publication scheme is a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This Act promotes greater openness and accountability across the public sector by requiring all ‘public authorities’ to make information available proactively, through a publication scheme.

1.2 ‘Public authorities’ are defined in the Act and include universities, further education colleges and sixth form colleges.

2. What is a publication scheme?

2.1 A publication scheme is a document which describes the information a public authority publishes, or intends to publish. In this context, ‘publish’ means to make information available, routinely. These descriptions are called ‘classes of information’. The scheme is not a list of the actual publications, because this will change as new material is published or existing material revised. It is, however, the public authority’s commitment to make available the information described.

2.2 A publication scheme must set out the classes, or categories, of information published. It must also make clear how the information described can be accessed and whether or not charges will be made.

3. The ‘model’ publication scheme for colleges of further education

3.1 Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges every public authority to adopt an approved Publication Scheme and the Education Training Collective has adopted the scheme for Colleges of Further Education.

4. Who we are

4.1 Education Training Collective is an ambitious, forward-looking, values driven and dynamic group of colleges which endeavours to be innovative and inclusive in meeting the complex needs and demands of its learner communities. The Collective is dedicated to delivering high quality provision and meeting or exceeding national educational and occupational standards in preparing learners for employment, enterprise, higher education, independent living or enhanced lifestyles.

5. Accessing information covered by the publication scheme

5.1 The classes of information we publish are described in the second part of the scheme.

5.2 Next to each class we have indicated the manner in which the information described will be available. We have also indicated whether charges apply to material in each class.

5.3 To request information available through our publication scheme, please contact: Head of IT, Education Training Collective, Harvard Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, TS17 6FB.

5.4 Please note that a publication scheme relates to ‘published’ information. Therefore, material covered has already been prepared in a format ready for distribution.

6. What about information not covered by the publication scheme?

6.1 From 1 January 2005 you have the right, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to request any information held by a public authority which it has not already made available through its publication scheme.

6.2 Requests will have to be made in writing and, in general, public authorities will have 20 working days to respond. They may charge a fee, which will have to be calculated according to Fees Regulations. They will not be required to release information to which an exemption in the Act legitimately applies. However, public authorities may be required to explain to the applicant why they are not releasing information and they may also have to justify this to the Information Commissioner.

7. Feedback

7.1 It is important that this publication scheme meets your needs. If you find the scheme difficult to understand, please let us know. We also welcome suggestions as to how our scheme might be improved. Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should be sent in writing to:

Web and Compliance Manager
Education Training Collective
Harvard Avenue
Thornaby
Stockton on Tees
TS17 6FB

data@the-etc.ac.uk

7.2 If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you can write to the Information Commissioner, the independent body who oversees the Freedom of Information Act:

Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Website: https://ico.org.uk/