The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is intended to promote a culture of openness and accountability amongst public authorities by providing people with rights of access to the information held by them. It is expected that these rights will facilitate better public understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, why they make the decisions they do and how they spend public money. Universities fall within the definition of public authority.
Under section 19 of the Act public authorities have a duty to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, to publish information in accordance with its scheme, and from time to time, to review its publication. Northumbria University has adopted the Information Commissioners' Model Publication Scheme for Higher Education Institutions. The University scheme was updated in July 2013.
We not publish any personal data or information that we consider to have the potential to affect the commercial interests of either the University or any third party working with the University.
The Classes of Information as as follows:
Who we are and what we do
1. Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
2. What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
3. What our priorities are and how we are doing
Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
4. How we make decisions
Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.
5. Our policies and procedures
Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.
6. Lists and registers
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.
7. The services we offer
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.
If you have any queries relating to the University Publication Scheme, or would like to request information not currently published through the scheme, please contact:
Duncan James
Records and Information Manager
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
Tel. +44 (0)191 243 7357
Fax +44 (0)191 227 4647
E-mail duncan.james@northumbria.ac.uk
