Freedom of Information Policy
1. INTRODUCTION
The policy of the College in relation to public access to information is to demonstrate that it is open and accountable in the conduct of business and decision-making. The College has produced a Publication Scheme to meet the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). Details are available on the college website or by contacting the Deputy Principal. The College also complies with the Data Protection Act 1998 and ensures that personal data is dealt with appropriately.
2. REGISTER OF INTERESTS
Governors and senior members of staff and managers are required to complete a declaration of interest form for inclusion in the Register of Interests and to inform the Clerk to the Corporation of any changes during the year. The declarations are renewed annually in the autumn term.
The Register of Interests is kept by the Clerk and can be inspected during office hours at Lancaster and Morecambe College, Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2TY.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY
The Board has agreed that confidentiality must be observed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act, which allows for information to be withheld or qualified. This includes personal information deemed sensitive under the Data Protection Act 1998 and information where a public interest test applies. The categories for determining confidentiality are:
- personal information relating to an individual;*
- information provided in confidence by a third party who has not authorised its disclosure;*
- financial or other information relating to procurement decisions, during the course of those negotiations;
- information relating to employee relation matters during the course of negotiations;*
- information relating to the financial position of the College where the Corporation is satisfied in good faith that disclosure might harm the College;
- legal advice received from or instructions given to the College legal advisors;*
- information planned for publication in advance of that publication; and/or
- commercially sensitive material or information.
4. CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
Items marked * to remain confidential for all time. Remaining items, which relate mainly to commercially sensitive information, contracts, acquisition or disposal of property etc. to remain confidential until the Principal and appropriate member of the Senior Management team, in consultation with the Chair, agree the need for confidentiality has passed.
The need for continued confidentiality to be reviewed annually and, in this connection, the Clerk to the Corporation will maintain a register of confidential items.
5. MEETINGS - Attendance at Corporation and committee meetings by members of the general public and the media/press
The Corporation has decided that attendance by the public or by the media / press at meetings of the Corporation and committees is not allowed.
However, agendas, papers and minutes are available for public inspection at the College Library or the Clerk’s Office and also on the internet.
6. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
A statement giving details of the College’s Freedom of Information Policy and Publication Scheme has been prepared for issue to any member of the public enquiring about the availability of information related to the College.
- POLICY
Information about College activities and meetings of the Corporation, College and committees is available to the public through the Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme. The Scheme includes classes of information under the following headings:- Governance
- Financial Resources
- Human Resources
- Physical Resources
- Student Administration and Support
- Information Services
- Teaching and Learning
- External Relations
- CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Some information held by the College is confidential in compliance with the Data Protection Act and the exemptions allowed in the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. The Policy provides further detail. - RESPONSES TO ENQUIRIES
The Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme sets out the manner in which information is available. Most of this can be found on the college website or a hard copy can be provided on request. The College will endeavour to provide information promptly. The Charging Policy is £20.00 per paper requested (also available in Braille, large print, alternative language on request). For staff and students most of the information can be found on the college intranet. - CONTACTS
Lancaster and Morecambe College website: www.lmc.ac.uk
The Deputy Principal
Lancaster and Morecambe College
Morecambe Road
Lancaster
LA1 2TY
Tel: 01524 521204
Email: a.purvis@lmc.ac.uk
Further Information
More information about the Freedom of Information Act is available on the Information Commissioner’s website at: www.ico.gov.uk
Further Education Model Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (PDF 300kb)
