Publication Scheme
Bridgend College has adopted the Model Publication Scheme for the public sector issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO expects public authorities to adopt the Model Publication Scheme without modification.
The Model Publication Scheme commits us to making the following classes of information available to the Public:
Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
What our priorities are and how we are doing
Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews.
How we make decisions
Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations.
Our policies and procedures
Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities.
Lists and registers
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority.
The services we offer
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered.
This majority of this information can be found on our website. The available information is based on the ICO definition document for colleges of Further Education, which explains how the Commissioner expects colleges to interpret the Model Publication Scheme.
The classes of information which we publish will not include:
- Information, the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure;
- Information in draft form; and
- Information that is no longer easily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.
How information is made available
- Information is normally provided by the College website. Requests for information not readily available should be directed to the Data Protection Officer.
- In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person on request. Where requested, an appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
- Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where the College is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
- Individuals who require information in formats other than those available may request the information in those formats by contacting the Data Protection Officer. The College reserves the right to charge for the provision of information in alternative formats and may refuse to do so.
- Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation, and any other legislation, to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with the Publication Scheme. If you would like information in a more accessible format, please contact the Data Protection Officer to discuss additional ways in which the information may be made available to you.
Charges for information
Information published on the College website may be accessed via the website free of charge. The majority of information is available digitally, however, charges may be made for physical information and/or actual disbursements incurred. If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. We may request payment prior to provision of the information.
Written requests
Information not available on the College website should be requested in writing to the Data Protection Officer. The College will endeavour to respond within one month.
Information held by the College which is not published under the Publication Scheme can be requested in writing under Section 1 [1] of the Freedom of Information Act. Freedom of Information requests should be sent to the Data Protection Officer and will be handled in accordance with the College Data Management and GDPR policy.
Feedback and Contact details
Any correspondence relating to the Publication Scheme including requests for information should be sent in writing to the Data Protection Office at the following address:
Bridgend College
Cowbridge Road
Bridgend
CF31 3DF
Email: data@bridgend.ac.uk
If we are unable to respond to your request you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (see the ICO website for contact details).
Review
The College Publication Scheme will be reviewed annually to ensure that it continues to meet the requirements of the Information Commissioner’s Model Publication Scheme.
