Introduction

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act is to give people the right to request information from organisations that receive public funds, such as local authorities, police forces, health services, schools and universities. The legislation is intended to promote better public understanding of how these organisations carry out their duties, why they make the decisions they do, and how they spend tax-payers' money.

About Freedom of Information (FOI) Act:

• This law came into effect on 01 January 2005
• It gives everyone, both inside and outside the College, a right of access to information held by Blackpool and The Fylde College
• The act covers all electronic and paper records and information held by Blackpool and The Fylde College, whether current or archived
• Requires the College to provide the requested information within twenty working days
• contains certain exemptions that determine which information should not be released.

Blackpool and The Fylde College is committed to promoting a culture of openness and accountability and has a duty to help you understand your rights and responsibilities under this new legislation and to explain how you can exercise those rights and fulfil your responsibilities.

Publication Scheme

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 public authorities must produce a Publication Scheme describing:

• the information they will publish
• the format in which the information will be published
• whether or not the information is available free of charge

This Publication Scheme is not an exhaustive list of information held by the College. It does, however, describe the types of information which are routinely available and facilitates access to that information. College documents, including the Scheme itself, are available in Braille, on audiotape and in some other languages upon request. Please clearly specify the format required when requesting information.