Introduction
Section 19 of the FOIA requires Public Authorities (i.e., Government and other public sector bodies, including Universities and Further Education Colleges) to produce "Publication Schemes", which are schedules of information to be routinely published by the Public Authorities.
In this context, ‘publish’ is defined as ‘to make information routinely available’. Publication Scheme SOP The publication of information is designed to increase the transparency and accountability of the Public Authority by enabling members of the public to routinely access information relating to its functions.
Information may be available via links to website information, documents and where possible it should be made available in a re-usable format (dataset).
Our Commitment
In compliance with our obligations, the FE Sector will:
- Proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information, including environmental information, which is held by the College and falls within the classifications below.
- Specify the information which is held by the authority and falls within the classifications below.
- Proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information in line with the statements contained within this scheme.
- Produce and publish the methods by which the specific information is made routinely available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public.
- Review and update on a regular basis the information the authority makes available under this scheme.
- Produce a schedule of any fees charged for access to information which is made proactively available.
- Make this Publication Scheme available to the public.
Types of Information we will publish
The Publication Scheme is a structured way of presenting this information to the public. The FE Sector is committed to publishing the following categories of information:
- Who we are and what we do
- What we spend and how we spend it
- What are our priorities and how are we doing
- How we make decisions
- Policies and Procedures
- Lists and Registers
- The services we offer
How to use the Publication Scheme
The Publication Scheme is divided into seven categories, each containing lists of information within the scope of this area.
The Colleges have provided the method by which the information is available. In most cases, a hyperlink will be provided to the information directly. In some instances, e.g., where the information is too voluminous to publish online, the College will provide this upon request. Where this applies, the Publication Scheme will detail the appropriate contact details to direct such requests. Requests for information which are or form part of a dataset or where the requester expresses a preference for the information to be electronic, will be released.
Data sets published via the Publication Scheme will be periodically refreshed. This time will be determined by the business area.
Fees
Information which is published on the website, or which can be transmitted electronically will incur no fee. We may charge for providing information in paper copy or on removable storage devices such as Computer discs or USB drives. Charges will reflect the actual costs of reproduction, consumables, and postage and will not exceed the costs accrued by the College or staff time. If we intend to charge, we will tell you:
- the charge
- how it has been calculated
- how to pay
The requester will be made aware of any charges in advance of the information being collated.
Documents
You can access the College’s Publication Scheme via this link:
Contact
Further details regarding this document can be obtained by contacting the Records Manager at the following:
Records ManagerSERC Bangor Campus
Castle Park Road
Bangor
BT20 4TD
informationrights@serc.ac.uk
The Information Commissioner's Office
The FE Sector will continually refer to legislation and ICO guidance when processing Publication Scheme information requests.
Further information is available to the public on the ICO website: What information do we need to publish? | ICO.
Public Information
We publish a range of information that is available to the public as part of our commitment to openness and transparency.
Freedom of Information
As a public authority, the College is committed to its obligations of transparency in line with the law.
Data Protection
As Data Controller, the College has an obligation to process all personal data within the provisions of the law.