Publication Scheme
Providing a publication scheme is a requirement of the Freedom
of Information Act. It describes the information we routinely
publish, and how to access specific information. Please find below
useful information on the purpose and structure of our publication
scheme.
- Legal
requirement for a publication scheme
- The model
publication scheme for Higher Education
- Accessing
information covered by the publication scheme
- Information not covered by the
publication scheme
- Feedback
- Further Information
1. Legal requirement for a publication scheme
Adopting a publication scheme is a requirement of the Freedom of
Information Act 2000. This Act promotes a greater openness and
accountability across the pubic sector by requiring all public
authorities to make information available proactively through a
publication scheme.
The Public Authorities are defined in the Act and include
universities, further education colleges and sixth form
colleges.
2. The model publication scheme for Higher Education
York St John University has based its publication scheme on the
model publication scheme developed for the Higher Education
sector.
This model has been designed for Higher Education institutions
across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The purpose of the
model is to save institutions from duplicating effort in producing
individual schemes and to assist the public in accessing
information across the sector. However, to reflect the
diversity in size and function of an institution, a number of
optional classes of information are included in the model scheme.
As a result, models within the sector will vary slightly. Any
optional classes relevant to York St John have been included in our
scheme.
To assist with the development of the model, a number of
institutions across the sector volunteered as pilots . Information
about the pilot exercise is available form the JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee)
website.
3. Accessing information covered by the publication scheme
The information covered by this scheme is set out
here.
Information made available on the University website is free of
charge when accessed in that format. If printed pages of any
material on the website is requested or copies of documents held
internally, the University will make a charge which reflects the
cost of copying the documentation, postage and administrative time
used. A minimum charge of £5 will apply. Other charges are
notified. For further information on charges please contact us.
Please note that the publication scheme relates to 'published'
information. Therefore the material covered has already been
prepared in a format for distribution.
Almost all publications of University are copyright of York St
John and reproduction of the material supplied through the
publication scheme or in response to a request for information
without the express permission of YSJ (or other copyright holder)
may be an infringement of copyright. Requests for permission to
reproduce such material should be addressed to:
The Pro Vice Chancellor (Resources)
York St John University
Lord Mayors' Walk
YORK
YO31 7EX
or e-mail foi@yorksj.ac.uk
4. Information not covered by the publication scheme
You will have the right, under the Freedom of Information Act
2000 to request any information held by the University which has
not already been made available under its publication scheme.
Requests will have to be made in writing and in general York St
John will have 20 working days to respond. York St John may charge
a fee. The University will not be required to release information
to which an exemption under the Act legitimately applies.
However, the university will be required to explain why it is not
releasing the information and it may have to justify this to the
Information Commissioner.
Written requests should be directed to
The Pro Vice Chancellor (Resources)
York St John University
Lord Mayors' Walk
YORK
YO31 7EX
or e-mail foi@yorksj.ac.uk
5. Feedback
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 the scheme might be improved.
Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should be
directed in writing to:
The Pro Vice Chancellor (Resources)
York St John University
Lord Mayors' Walk
YORK
YO31 7EX
or e-mail foi@yorksj.ac.ukor
e-mail foi@yorksj.ac.uk
If we are unable to resolve any complaint you can complain to
the Information Commissioner, the independent body who oversees the
Freedom of Information Act.
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
6. Further Information
For further information about the University publication scheme,
please e-mail us.
More information about the Freedom of Information Act is
available on the Information
Commissioners Website.
Please note that Scotland has its own Freedom of information Act
and information Commissioner. For more information, please see the
Scottish Executive's website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/government/foi