Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme 2009-2012
This publication scheme has been prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner. This publication scheme commits the Sussex Probation Board (hereinafter referred to as 'the Board') to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities. The information covered is included in the classes of information mentioned below. Additional assistance is provided as to the definition of these classes in sector specific guidance manuals issued by the Information Commissioner.
The scheme commits the Board:
- To proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information, including environmental information, which is held by the Board and falls within the classifications below
- To specify the information which is held by the Board and falls within the classifications below
- To proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information in line with the statements contained within this scheme
- To 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
- To review and update on a regular basis the information the Board makes available under this scheme
- To produce a schedule of any fees charged for access to information which is made proactively available
- To make this publication scheme available to the public.
Classes of information
Who we are and what we do - Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
What we spend and how we spend it - Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
What our priorities are and how we are doing - Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
How we make decisions - Policy proposals and decisions. Decision-making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.
Our policies and procedures - Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.
Lists and registers - Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.
The services we offer - Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases, description of the services offered.
The classes of information will not generally include:
Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.
Information in draft form Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.
The method by which information published under this scheme will be made available is detailed in the Guide To Information. Where it is within the capability of the Board, information will be provided on a website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on a website, or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website the Guide To Information. indicates how information can be obtained by other means.
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where an authority is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.
Charges
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the Board for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge although any charges for Internet service provider and personal printing costs must be met by the individual accessing the information.
Charges may be made for information subject to a charging regime specified by Parliament.
Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- Photocopying
- Processing onto electronic media
- Retrieval of archived material
- Postage and packaging
- The costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information.
Charges may also be made for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are in all the circumstances, including the general principles of the right of access to information held by public authorities, justified and are in accordance with a published schedule or schedules of fees which is readily available to the public.
If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information. The
Guide To Information details the provision of Information where a charge may be made and are marked with a £ sign together with the maximum cost. The charges will be reviewed regularly.
Written requests
Information held by a public authority 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.
