What is the scheme?
A publication scheme sets out the information that a public
authority should make routinely available. As of 1 January 2009 the
College has adopted the Information Commissioner's model publication
scheme for all public authorities. Because the model scheme
applies to all public authorities it classifies information at a
high level. The Information Commissioner has therefore also
published a 'Definition Document for
the Model Publication Scheme' for colleges of further
education, which shows what colleges are expected to publish. At
Lewisham College we have a Guide to Publications which we routinely
publish or which we intend to publish. This gives the details of
the information we will routinely make available, how the
information can be accessed and whether or not a charge will be
made for it.
Adopting a publications scheme is a requirement of Section 19 of
the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The purpose of the Act is to
promote greater openness by public authorities (i.e. government and
other public sector organisations, including Universities and
Further Education Colleges).
How do I obtain information covered by the Publication
Scheme?
We make available items that belong to classes in the
Publication Scheme. Any exceptions are noted. These will generally
be for reasons related to the Data Protection Act or commercial
sensitivity.
Where possible, we will by publishing all documents covered by
the scheme, in electronic format, on our website. All documents are
available in hard copy.
How much do printed publications cost?
All electronic documents on the website and also those we can
provide by email at your request are free of charge. Printed
information on the courses and services we offer is available free
of charge, as are packs issued to people responding to notices of
job vacancies. If requested, we will produce publications in other
formats. In these cases we will usually make a charge, amounting to
the cost of producing the item in the format requested and sending
it, with a minimum charge of £5. In certain circumstances, we may
waive the charge.
Who do I contact if I have a question, comment or
complaint?
If you are not able to obtain what you require, or if you have
any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme, please
contact:
Director of Marketing & Communications
Lewisham College
Lewisham Way
London SE4 1UT
Telephone: 020 8692 0353
Fax: 020 8694 4787
Email: simone.davies@lewisham.ac.uk
What about information not covered by the Publication
Scheme?
From 1st January 2005 you will have the right, under the Freedom
of Information Act 2000, to request information (subject to certain
exemptions) held by a public authority, including such a college as
Lewisham College. Requests will have to be made in writing and, in
general, public authorities will have twenty working days to
respond. Lewisham College may charge a fee, which will be
calculated according to Fees Regulations.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
We will do everything in our power to meet your information
needs. However, if you have a complaint we are unable to resolve,
you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner, the
independent body that oversees the implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act:
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Follow the links to the left to download details about
classes of information and view our Equal Opportunities page.