STFC's Publication Scheme - Introduction
The Freedom of Information Act ("the Act") establishes a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities; it sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. Individuals are entitled, on making a request for information, to be informed in writing whether the information of the description specified in the request is held, and, if so, to have the information communicated, unless the information falls under one or more of the exemptions in the act.
The Act gives a time limit of 20 working days for dealing with a request for information. There is also an appeal mechanism, where individuals may apply to the Information Commissioner for a decision on whether their request has been dealt with in accordance with the Act.
A copy of the Act can be obtained for a charge, from Her Majesty's Stationery Office or it can be accessed on the Office of Public Sector Information website (link opens in a new window).
The Science and Technology Facilities Council Publication Scheme
Under the Act all public authorities are required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme which commits the authority to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities.
The aim of the publication scheme is to set out:
- The types (classes) of information that the STFC publishes, or intends to publish
- How the information is, or will be published
- Whether the information is, or will be made available free of charge or on payment.
The purpose of the publication scheme is to ensure that a large amount of information is readily available to members of the public, without the need for specific consideration under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has adopted the model scheme (link opens in a new window) for non departmental public bodies (NDPBs) as required by the Information Commissioner and provides a guide to the information it publishes.
A significant amount of information is readily available on the STFC website or can be provided free or at a reasonable charge upon request. Information that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
Comments about this Publication Scheme
If you have any comments about the STFC's Publication Scheme, or if you think we have not supplied information in accordance with the Scheme, you should write in the first instance to:
Angela Roythorne
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1SZ
The STFC aims to deal with the investigation of complaints within 20 working days, and aims to complete internal reviews also within 20 working days. If, after the investigation of your complaint, you remain dissatisfied then you may ask for the matter to be reviewed internally. If you are still dissatisfied then you may refer your complaint to the Information Commissioner.
Review of the Publication Scheme
The STFC Publication Scheme will be reviewed annually.
Page last updated: 09 January 2012
by Denise Francis
