Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme
Introduction
This document has been produced as a requirement of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and introduces a Model Publication Scheme in response to Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The Model Publication Scheme provided by the ICO for schools and academies has been adopted by the ACE Schools Multi Academy Trust.
The Model Publication Scheme provides a list of the information routinely published by academies which the ICO expects them to make available unless:
• They do not hold the information
• The information is exempt under one of the FOI exemptions or Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) exceptions, or its release is prohibited under another statute
• The information is archived, out of date or otherwise inaccessible, or, it would be impractical or resource-intensive to prepare the material for routine release.
Guide to the Information Available from the MAT under the Publication Scheme
The table at Annex 1 details the information routinely published. Next to each category of information we have indicated the manner in which the information described will be available.
For items not routinely available the Federation will usually make a charge. This will be calculated on direct labour costs based on the time spent in researching and collecting the information which will be charged at a flat rate of £25 an hour, regardless of the actual costs per hour, and these costs will be charged if applicable.
There is no obligation to disclose information if the total cost calculated in this fashion exceeds £450. We will also charge ten pence plus VAT per photocopy or scanned document and/or the direct cost of putting the information into other requested formats, plus postage if applicable. In certain circumstances the Trust may waive the fee at its absolute discretion.
Confirmation of any payment due will be given prior to the information being provided. Payment will generally be requested prior to the provision of the requested information.
Written Requests
Information held by the Trust that is not listed in the publication scheme can be requested in writing and will be considered in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Please mark all such requests clearly with the words Freedom of Information Request.
Please address queries to:
Sarah Gillett
FOI Officer
ACE Schools Multi Academy Trust
Martins Gate
Bretonside
Plymouth
PL4 0AT