Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information – Publication Scheme for Colleges of Further Education

Name of College:Education Training Collective
Type of College:General Further Education (GFE)
Principal & Chief Executive:Mr Grant Glendinning
Postal Address:Harvard Avenue
Thornaby
Stockton-on-Tees
TS17 6FB
Telephone:01642 865400
Fax:01642 865470
Website:https://www.the-etc.ac.uk
Chair of Governors:Mr Stuart Blackett

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/

Organisational information, structures, locations and contacts.

Group/Class: 1.1 – Legal Framework / Instrument of Government / Articles of Association
Name: Governance Microsite
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college Governors.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Governance Microsite
Group/Class: 1.2 – How the institution is organised
Name: Management Structure
Description: The College’s Management structure.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to view the document
Group/Class: 1.3 – Lists of and information relating to organisations we work in partnership with and any companies wholly owned by us
Name: Partnerships and suppliers
Description: The Group Vice Principal: Business, Innovation and Partnerships manages this information. Please forward enquiries accordingly. Contact 01642 865400.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free
Name: Schools
Description: The Principals of individuals colleges manage the information relevant to their campus. Please forward enquiries accordingly. Contact 01642 865400 for Stockton Riverside College, 01642 473132 for Redcar & Cleveland College, 01642 616936 for NETA Training Group, or 01642 373250 for Bede Sixth Form College.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free
Name: Universities
Description: The Group Quality Director manages this information. Please forward enquiries accordingly. Contact 01642 865400.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free
Name: Wholly owned companies
Description: The Group Finance Director manages this information. Please forward enquiries accordingly. Contact 01642 865400.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free
Group/Class: 1.4 – Location and contact details
Name: Contact Us
Description: Section of the website detailing how to contact us.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Contact Us section
Group/Class: 1.5 – Student activities

Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audit.

Group/Class: 2.1 – Funding / income
Group/Class: 2.2 – Budgetary and account information; expenditure
Group/Class: 2.3 – Financial audit reports
Name: Signed Accounts (2016)
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the latest Signed Accounts.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to access the Signed Accounts location
Group/Class: 2.4 – Capital programme
Group/Class: 2.5 – Financial Regulations and procedures
Name: Financial Regulations
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Financial regulations.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to access the information location
Group/Class: 2.6 – Pay Policy
Group/Class: 2.7 – Staff pay and grading structure
Group/Class: 2.8 – Staff allowances and expenses
Group/Class: 2.9 – Governors’ allowances
Group/Class: 2.10 – Register of suppliers
Group/Class: 2.11 – Procurements and tender procedures and reports
Group/Class: 2.12 – Contracts

Strategies and plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections and reviews.

Group/Class: 3.1 – Annual report
Name: Annual Report
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the Annual Report.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Annual Report location
Group/Class: 3.2 – Self assessment report
Group/Class: 3.3 – Corporate and business plans
Group/Class: 3.4 – Teaching and learning strategy
Group/Class: 3.5 – Academic quality and standards
Group/Class: 3.6 – Most recent Ofsted inspection report
Name: Ofsted Report
Description: External review information in the official Ofsted Report.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Ofsted Inspection Report location
Group/Class: 3.7 – Privacy impact assessments
Group/Class: 3.8 – External review information
Name: Ofsted Report
Description: External review information in the official Ofsted Report.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Ofsted Inspection Report location
Group/Class: 3.9 – Corporate relations
Group/Class: 3.10 – Government and regulatory reports
Name: Ofsted Report
Description: External review information in the official Ofsted Report.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Ofsted Inspection Report location

Decision making processes and records of decisions.

Group/Class: 4.1 – Minutes, agendas and papers from governing body, council, academic boards, steering groups and committees.
Name: Governance minutes
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Minutes of meetings.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Governance Microsite

Current written protocols, policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities.

Group/Class: 5.1 – Policies and procedures for conducting college business
Name: Admissions Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Admissions.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Admissions Policy

Name: Learning Support Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Learning Support.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Learning Support Policy

Group/Class: 5.2 – Procedures and policies relating to academic services
Group/Class: 5.3 – Procedures and policies relating to student services

Name: Learner Support Fund Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Learner Support Fund.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Learner Support Fund Policy

Name: Safeguarding Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Safeguarding.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Safeguarding Policy and associated appendices.

Name: Behavior Management Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Behaviour Management.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Behavior Management Policy

Group/Class: 5.4 – Procedures and policies relating to human resources

Name: Appendix B Staff Code of Conduct

Description: Document containing information related to the Staff Code of Conduct.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access Staff Code of Conduct information

Name: Appendix I College Arrangements for Safeguarding Training

Description: Document containing information related to College Arrangements for Safeguarding Training.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access policy information relating to College Arrangements for Safeguarding Training

Name: Appendix J Disclosure and Barring Service Checks

Description: Document containing information related to Disclosure and Barring Service Checks.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access policy information relating to Disclosure and Barring Service Checks

Name: Appendix K Safeguarding Risk Assessment Panels

Description: Document containing information related to Safeguarding Risk Assessment Panels.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access policy information relating to Safeguarding Risk Assessment Panels

Name: Appendix P Allegations and Whistleblowing (Safeguarding)

Description: Document containing information related to the college’s Allegations and Whistleblowing (Safeguarding) Policy.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access Appendix Q Allegations and Whistleblowing (Safeguarding)

Name: Policy and Procedure: Whistleblowing

Description: Document containing overarching information related to the college’s Policy and Procedures: Whistleblowing.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access Policy and Procedure: whistleblowing

Group/Class: 5.5 – Procedures and policies relating to recruitment

Name: Appendix L Safer Recruitment of Staff and Volunteers

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Safer Recruitment of Staff and Volunteers.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access information relating to Safer Recruitment of Staff and Volunteers

Group/Class: 5.6 – Code of conduct for members of governing bodies
Group/Class: 5.7 – Equality and Diversity policies; Equality Scheme

Name: Single Equality Scheme

Description: Document containing information related to the college’s Single Equality Scheme.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Single Equality Scheme.

Group/Class: 5.8 – Health and safety

Name: Health and Safety Policy Statement

Description: Document containing information related to the college’s Health and Safety Policy Statement.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Health and Safety Policy Statement

Name: Health and Safety Policy

Description: Document containing information related to the college’s Health and Safety Policy.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Health and Safety Policy

Group/Class: 5.9 – Estate management
Group/Class: 5.10 – Complaints policies and procedures

Name: Complaints Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the group’s Complaints Policy.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Complaints Policy

Group/Class: 5.11 – Records management and personal data policies

Name: Governance Microsite

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college Governors.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Governance Microsite

Name: College Policies and Procedures

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college Policies and Procedures.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the College Policies and Procedures

Group/Class: 5.12 – Fileplans
Group/Class: 5.13 – Charging regimes and policies

Name: Sub-Contracting Supply Chain Fees and Charges Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college Sub-Contracting Supply Chain Fees and Charges Policy.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Sub-Contracting Supply Chain Fees and Charges Policy

Name: Tuition Fees Policy

Description: Section of the website containing information relating to Tuition Fees.

Manner available: Online.

Cost: Free | Click here to access the Tuition Fees Policy

Information in currently maintained lists and registers.

Group/Class: 6.1 – Any information we are currently legally required to hold in publicly available registers
Group/Class: 6.2 – Asset registers
Group/Class: 6.3 – Information asset register
Group/Class: 6.4 – CCTV
Group/Class: 6.5 – Disclosure logs
Group/Class: 6.6 – Any register of interests kept in the college
Group/Class: 6.7 – Senior staff declaration of interests
Group/Class: 6.8 – Register of gifts and hospitality provided to senior staff

Information about the services we offer, including leaflets, guidance and newsletters.

Group/Class: 7.1 – Prospectus and course content
Name: Our Courses
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college courses.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Courses section of our website
Group/Class: 7.2 – Services for outside bodies
Group/Class: 7.3 – Health including medical services
Group/Class: 7.4 – Welfare and counselling services
Group/Class: 7.5 – Funding, such as grants and bursaries, available to students from the college
Group/Class: 7.6 – Careers advice
Name: Careers Advice
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college Careers Advice service.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Careers Advice service
Group/Class: 7.7 – Chaplaincy services and multi-faith provision
Group/Class: 7.8 – Services for which the college is entitled to recover a fee together with those fees
Group/Class: 7.9 – Sports and recreational facilities
Group/Class: 7.10 – Facilities relating to music, art and other cultural activities
Group/Class: 7.11 – Museum, libraries, special collections and archives
Name: The Learning Resource Centre
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the Learning Resource Centre.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the online Learning Resource Centre
Group/Class: 7.12 – Conference facilities
Name: Conference Facilities
Description: Section of the website containing information relating to the college Conference Facilities.
Manner available: Online.
Cost: Free | Click here to visit the Conference Facilities
Group/Class: 7.13 – Advice and guidance
Group/Class: 7.14 – Media releases

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