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The Freedom of Information Act |
Introduction
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into force at the beginning of 2005. It provides individuals or organisations with the right to request information held by a public authority.
In order to comply with the Act, Coleg Menai has compiled a Publication Scheme. The purpose of the Scheme is to inform the public what information is readily available from Coleg Menai.
In creating and reviewing this Scheme, we have to consider the public interest when:
- Allowing public access to the information we hold.
- Publicising the reasons for decisions that we make.
By law, our Scheme must:
- Set out the classes of information that we publish or intend to publish.
- Say how we will publish the information in each class.
- Say if we will provide the information free or charge for it.
The Coleg Menai Publication Scheme follows the standard format required by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) from January 2009 and used by Further Education colleges in the United Kingdom. The Scheme will be reviewed annually.
Classes of Information
Coleg Menai will make available information within the seven Information Classes described below. Some documents may not yet be available, as they are being revised and up-dated.
Information Classes:
This section covers information relating to the way Coleg Menai is governed and how decisions are made. It includes information on the legal status of the College, which individual member of staff or group within the organisation is responsible for specific functions and where they fit into the overall structure of the organisation. In some instances information within this class will be exempt from disclosure where it contains personal information, or information that may damage the commercial interests of the institution or that may threaten the health and safety of specific individuals.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 1.1 | Legal Framework | The Further Education and Training Act 2007 (Commencement No. 2) (Wales) Order 2008 | http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/wales/wsi2008/wsi_20080983_en_1 |
| Welsh Stautory Instruments | http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/wales/w-stat.htm | ||
| Measures of the National Assembly for Wales | http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/wales/w-measures.htm | ||
| 1.2 | How the College is organised | Management Structure 2008/09 | Request the information in writing |
| Corporation - composition and members | Request the information in writing | ||
| Our values | Request the information in writing | ||
| Communications and Management handbook | Request the information in writing | ||
| College Calendar | Request the information in writing | ||
| 1.3 | Organisations the college works in Partnership with | Higher Education Strategy | Request the information in writing |
| Progression opportunities for International Students | Request the information in writing | ||
| 1.4 | Location and Contact details | College location maps and directions | Request the information in writing |
| Contact Numbers | Request the information in writing | ||
| 1.5 | Student Activities | Students' Union | Request the information in writing |
| Social Activities | Request the information in writing | ||
| Entrepreneurship | Request the information in writing |
This section covers financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audit. Information which may damage the College’s commercial interests will be excluded from publication.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 2.1 | Financial Information | Annual Accounts | Request the information in writing |
| Capital Expenditure | Request the information in writing | ||
| Course Fee Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| Annual Audit Reports | Request the information in writing | ||
| Financial Regulations including procurement procedures | Request the information in writing | ||
| Fraud Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| Staff Pay and Grading Structures | Request the information in writing | ||
| Welsh purchasing consortium details | Request the information in writing |
This section covers information on Coleg Menai’s strategies and plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections and reviews.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 3.1 | Corporate and Business Plans | Annual Report | Request the information in writing |
| Strategic Plan (2007/08-2010/11) | Request the information in writing | ||
| 3.2 | Teaching and learning strategy / Academic Quality and Standards | Internal Quality Inspection Framework | Request the information in writing |
| Quality Development Plan | Request the information in writing | ||
| Learning Session Observation Scheme | Request the information in writing | ||
| Self Assessment and Planning Handbook | Request the information in writing | ||
| Quality Framework | Request the information in writing | ||
| 3.3 | External Review Information | Estyn Inspection Report - Further Education (2005) | http://www.estyn.gov.uk/inspection_reports/Coleg_Menai_FE_05.pdf |
| Estyn Inspection Report - Work Based Learning (2008) | http://www.estyn.gov.uk/inspection_reports/coleg_menai_may_2008.pdf | ||
| 3.4 | Corporate Relations | Links with Employers | Request the information in writing |
| Food Technology Centre | Request the information in writing | ||
| Knowledge Transfer Partnerships | Request the information in writing | ||
| CAM | Request the information in writing | ||
| Entrepreneurship | Request the information in writing | ||
| 3.5 | Government and Regulatory Reports | Estyn Inspection Report - Further Education (2005) | http://www.estyn.gov.uk/inspection_reports/Coleg_Menai_FE_05.pdf |
| Estyn Inspection Report - Work Based Learning (2008) | http://www.estyn.gov.uk/inspection_reports/coleg_menai_may_2008.pdf | ||
| DCELLS Provider Peformance Review | Request the information in writing |
This section covers decision making processes and records of decisions.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 4.1 | Minutes from Governing body, academic | Minutes from Corporation meetings | Request the information in writing |
| Student Focus Group Summary Report | Request the information in writing | ||
| Self Assessment and Planning Handbook | Request the information in writing | ||
| College Self Assessment Report | Request the information in writing |
This section covers information on written protocols, policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 5.1 | Policies and Procedures for conducting college business | Welsh Language Scheme | Request the information in writing |
| Financial Regulations | Request the information in writing | ||
| Our values | Request the information in writing | ||
| Data Protection Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| 5.2 | Procedures and Policies relating to academic services | Appeal against exam result - Edexcel | http://www.examzone.co.uk/home/tips-timetable/re-marking/ |
| Appeal against exam result - WJEC | http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?nav=39 | ||
| Appeal against exam result - City & Guilds | http://www.cityandguilds.com/ | ||
| Appeal against exam result - OCR | http://www.ocr.org.uk/learners/faqs.html | ||
| Replacement exam certificates - WJEC | http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?nav=44 | ||
| Replacement exam certificates - Edexcel | http://www.examzone.co.uk/ | ||
| Replacement exam certificates - City & Guilds | http://www.cityandguilds.com/ | ||
| Replacement exam certificates - OCR | http://www.ocr.org.uk/learners/lost_certificate.html | ||
| Replacement exam certificates - AQA | http://www.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_records.php | ||
| 5.3 | Procedures and Policies relating to student services | Learner Disciplinary - Policy and Procedures | Request the information in writing |
| Admission Policy and Guidelines | Request the information in writing | ||
| Course Fee Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| Compliments and Complaints | Request the information in writing | ||
| Complaints Procedure | Request the information in writing | ||
| Protection of vulnerable adults - policy and procedures | Request the information in writing | ||
| Anti Bullying Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| Innapropriate use of electronic media - guidance for staff and students | Request the information in writing | ||
| Attending College - guidelines for students | Request the information in writing | ||
| 5.4 | Procedures and Policies relating to human resources | Work Related Stress Policy | Request the information in writing |
| Redundancy Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| Smoking, Drug and Alcohol Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| Anti Bullying and Harassement Policy | Request the information in writing | ||
| 5.5 | Procedures and Policies relating to recruitment | Recruitment and Selection - Policy and Procedure | Request the information in writing |
| Job Vacancies | Request the information in writing | ||
| Application Form | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information about Coleg Menai | Request the information in writing | ||
| 5.6 | Code of Conduct for governing bodies | Information about the Corporation | Request the information in writing |
| Composition and Members | Request the information in writing | ||
| Corporation Responsibilities | Request the information in writing | ||
| Committee Structure | Request the information in writing | ||
| Work of the Corporation | Request the information in writing | ||
| 5.7 | Equality and Diversity | Disability Equality Scheme | Request the information in writing |
| Race Equality Scheme | Request the information in writing | ||
| Equal Opportunities | Request the information in writing | ||
| 5.8 | Health and Safety | Health and Safety policy | Request the information in writing |
| 5.9 | Estates Management | Maps of College sites | Request the information in writing |
| 5.10 | Complaints Policies and Procedures | Student Complaints Procedure | Request the information in writing |
| 5.11 | Records Management and Personal | Data Protection Policy | Request the information in writing |
| 5.12 | Charging regimes and Policies | Course fee Policy | Request the information in writing |
| Freedom of Information Charging Policy | Request the information in writing |
This section covers information on lists and registers.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 6.1 | Policies and Procedures for conducting | Welsh Language Scheme | Request the information in writing |
This section covers information about the services we offer, including leaflets, guidance and newsletters.
| Class | Description | Manner Available | |
| 7.1 | Facilities | College location maps and directions | Request the information in writing |
| General informatoion about the college | Request the information in writing | ||
| Videoconferencing | Request the information in writing | ||
| Library and Learning Resources | Request the information in writing | ||
| Open access areas | Request the information in writing | ||
| Sports Facilities | Request the information in writing | ||
| Friars Restaurant | Request the information in writing | ||
| Refectories | Request the information in writing | ||
| Coffee Shop | Request the information in writing | ||
| Hair and Beauty Salons | Request the information in writing | ||
| 7.2 | Student Services | Learning Support | Request the information in writing |
| Counselling | Request the information in writing | ||
| Admissions, guidance and careers | Request the information in writing | ||
| Student Finance | Request the information in writing | ||
| Transport | Request the information in writing | ||
| Essential Skills and Learning Coach | Request the information in writing | ||
| Bilingualism | Request the information in writing | ||
| 7.3 | Marketing | Prospectus | Request the information in writing |
| On-line course database | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information on the college Programme Areas | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information for Higher Education Learners | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information for Overseas Students | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information for learners aged 14-16 | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information on qualifications available at Coleg Menai | Request the information in writing | ||
| Entry requirement for courses | Request the information in writing | ||
| How to apply for a course | Request the information in writing | ||
| Information for Employers | Request the information in writing | ||
| 7.4 | Public Relations | News | Request the information in writing |
| Events | Request the information in writing |
Obtaining Information from the Coleg Menai Publication Scheme 2009
Coleg Menai routinely publishes large volumes of information on its website. Most information provided in the Scheme will be available to download from the website. Other information listed in this Scheme, which is not available from the website, will be available when requested in writing (by letter, fax or e-mail) from the Freedom of Information Officer at Coleg Menai. There are however exemptions in place and the request can be refused if it is vexatious or similar to a previous request, or if the cost of compliance exceeds an appropriate limit.
Copyright
The college retains the copyright of material which it publishes on the web or where it is provided in response to an individual request. Information obtained from this publication scheme can be copied or reproduced without formal permission, provided it is copied or reproduced accurately, is not used in a misleading context, and provided that the source of the material is identified and the copyright status acknowledged.
Freedom of Information Charging Policy
Where information is available online, individuals may download documents without charge. Single copies of current publications which are produced for the information of the public (for example, prospectuses) will be made available free of charge.
Where information is requested in writing or multiple copies requested, the college reserves the right to charge for the cost of staff time, materials and postage involved in providing it. The charges are currently under consideration.
You should send your request for information contained in the Scheme to:
The Freedom of Information Officer
Coleg Menai,
Bangor,
Gwynedd
LL57 2TP
Fax: 01248 370052
Email: foi@menai.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