Publication Scheme

A publication scheme is a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Act promotes greater openness and accountability across the public sector by requiring the college to make information available proactively, through a publication scheme.

The Manchester College's scheme follows the model Publication Scheme produced for Further Education Colleges by the Information Commission's office.

The publication scheme is a guide to the information we make available to the public as part of our normal business activities. The information covered is included in the following classes:

• Who we are and what we do
• What we spend and how we spend it
• What our priorities are and how we are doing
• How we make decisions
• Lists and registers
• The services we offer

The scheme is not a list of actual publications, because these will change as new material is published or existing material revised. It is however, the College's commitment to make available the information described.

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

• Accessing information covered by the publication scheme

  To request information available through our publication scheme, please email dpo@ltegroup.co.uk or write to:

  Jennifer Foote
  Company Secretary and General Counsel,
  Whitworth House,
  Ashton Old Road,
  Openshaw,
  Manchester,
  M11 2WH

  Where possible we intend to progressively publish all documents covered by the scheme in electronic format via our website although at present most documents are available in hard copy only.

• What about information not covered by the publication scheme?

  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

  Requests should be made in writing and, in general, public authorities will have 20 working days to respond. They may charge a fee, which will 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.

• 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 our scheme might be improved. Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should be sent in writing to the email or postal address above.

  If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner, the independent body who oversees the Freedom of Information Act:

  Information Commissioner
  Wycliffe House
  Water Lane
  Wimslow
  Cheshire SK9 5AF