Publication Scheme

Newcastle University has adopted the model publication scheme that has been prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner.

This publication scheme commits the University to make information available to the public as part of our normal business activities. The information covered is included in the classes of information mentioned below, where this information is held by the University. You can find more guidance on the definition of these classes in sector specific guidance manuals issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office on their website.

The University will:

publish information, including environmental information, which is held by us within the classifications below
specify the information which is held by us and falls within the classifications below
publish information in line with the statements contained within this scheme
produce and publish the methods by which the information is made available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public
review and update on a regular basis the information we make available under this scheme
produce a schedule of any fees charged for access to information which is made available
make this publication scheme available to the public
publish any dataset held by us that has been requested, and any updated versions we hold, unless we are satisfied that it is not appropriate to do so; publish the dataset, where reasonably practicable, in an electronic form that is capable of re-use; and, if any information in the dataset is a relevant copyright work and we are the only owner, make the information available for re-use under a specified licence. The term ‘dataset’ is defined in section 11(5) of the Freedom of Information Act. The terms ‘relevant copyright work’ and ‘specified licence’ are defined in section 19(8) of that Act

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 University.

The services we offer
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.

The classes of information will not generally include:

information where disclosure is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise 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

Publication methods

Wherever possible, information is published on our website. Where it is not practical to make information available on our website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, we will indicate how information can be obtained by other means and provide it by those means.

In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. In such cases, we will provide contact details and will arrange an appointment to view the information within a reasonable timescale.

We will provide information in the language in which it is held or in another language where that is legally required. Where we are legally required to translate any information, we will do so.

When providing information under this scheme we will adhere to any obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats.

Charges

The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Material which is published on our website will be provided free of charge.

Charges we make for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.

We may charge for costs such as:

photocopying
postage and packaging
the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information

We may make charges for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are justified in all the circumstances, and are in accordance with a published schedule of fees which is readily available to the public.

We may also charge for making datasets (or parts of datasets) that are relevant copyright works available for re-use. These charges will be in accordance with either regulations made under section 11B of the Freedom of Information Act or other enactments.

If we do charge, the payment be needed before we provide the information.

Written requests

Information that we hold that is not published under the publication scheme can be requested in writing. These requests will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the FOI Act.