Solihull College : About The College : The Publication Scheme

Solihull College's Publication scheme

1. What is the scheme?

The publication scheme is a complete guide to the information routinely published by Solihull College, or which it is intended to publish. The Scheme provides a description of the "classes", or types of information, published and includes how this information may be obtained. It is not a list of the actual publications. The classes of information are described in the scheme.

Adopting a publication 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). The Solihull College scheme follows the Model Publication Scheme produced for universities, further education colleges and sixth form colleges across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and introduced on 1st January 2009.

2. How do I obtain information covered by the publication scheme?

Solihull College will make available items which belong to classes in the Publication Scheme. Any exceptions are noted in the descriptions of the different classes of information. These will generally be for reasons related to the Data Protection Act or commercial sensitivity.

Where possible, the College intends to publish the majority of documents covered by the scheme in electronic format on the College website at www.solihull.ac.uk. However, at present, some information is available in paper copy only. To obtain paper copies or further information please contact the Clerk to the Corporation by telephone on: 0121 678 7261 or email: public@solihull.ac.uk. Address details are also below, in section 3.

3. How much do printed publications cost?

Copies of publications/information listed in the publication scheme are available free of charge. Printed information on courses and services offered by the College is also available free of charge, as are packs issued to people responding to notices of job vacancies. However, requests for multiple copies will usually be charged for at a cost amounting to the cost of producing those copies, with a minimum charge of £5. If requested, we will produce publications in other formats (e.g. audio, Braille etc).

In certain circumstances, the College may waive the charge.

If you are not able to obtain what you require from the College website, then please indicate clearly the information you would like, and address all applications to:

Clerk to the Corporation (Freedom of Information)

Solihull College
Blossomfield Road
Solihull
B91 1SB
Tel: 0121 678 7261
Fax: 0121 678 7200
Email: public@solihull.ac.uk

4. What about information not covered by the publication scheme?

Since 1st January 2005 you have had the right, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to request any information (subject to certain exemptions) held by a public authority including a college such as Solihull College, which has not already been made available through the publication scheme.

5. Feedback/Complaints

It is important that this Publication Scheme meets your needs. Any questions, comments or complaints about this Scheme should be sent in writing or by email to:

The College Secretary (Freedom of Information)

Solihull College
Blossomfield Road
Solihull
B91 1SB
Email: public@solihull.ac.uk

The College will do its best to meet your information needs. However, if we are unable to resolve any complaint, you can complain to the Information Commissioner, the independent body which oversees the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.

Information Commissioner

Wycliffe House
Water Street
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF