Publication Scheme from January 2009

Guide to Information

Introduction

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), in accordance with section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act, has implemented a single, approved Model Publication Scheme to be adopted by all public authorities.  In addition, the ICO has released a "Definition Document for the Model Publication Scheme for Universities."  The Model Publication Scheme and "Definition Document" can be accessed at:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/Home/what_we_cover/freedom_of_information/publication_schemes.aspx

Durham University adopted the ICO's model publication scheme on 1 January 2009 and released its own "Guide to Information" to inform the public how to access information it holds in relation to the Model Publication Scheme and "Definition Document."

Our Guide details the classes of information that Durham University makes available to the public in accordance with the model scheme and, wherever possible, provides an easy and free method of accessing this information.  These details exclude any information that is:

• Published for internal purposes only
• Provided in confidence to partner organisations only
• Considered personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998
• Considered to be commercially sensitive
• Believed to have potential health and safety implications for individuals
• Published elsewhere and not published by the University
• Intended for future publication
• Held only in draft form

Please note that the information referenced in this Guide is not intended to be a definitive list of all information Durham publishes.  More information can be found by using the searching or browsing functions at http://www.durham.ac.uk/.  In some cases, the web links provided in this Guide are only intended to point you towards relevant sections of the website not specific documents.  Some sections of the website are not publicly accessible and any information in these sections is not part of this guide.

The University may charge a fee for some information not accessible through the website.  Please see the section labelled "Charges."

Any information not included in this Guide may still be accessible under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  If you cannot find information in this Guide or on our website please contact the University at:

Alternatively, please see the Requesting Information section.