twmat freedom of information policy - iscaexeter.co.uk policies oct2017... · obliga,ons under the...
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TedWraggMul,AcademyTrust
�
FreedomofInforma,onPolicy
ReviewSummary
Adopted: 06/2016
ReviewCycle: 2years
LastReview: n/a
NextReview: 06/2018
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1. Introduc,on
1.1. TheFreedomofInforma,onAct2000providespublicaccesstoinforma,onheldbypublicauthori,es.Itdoesthisintwoways:
a. publicauthori,esareobligedtopublishcertaininforma,onabouttheirac,vi,es;and
b. membersofthepublicareen,tledtorequestinforma,onfrompublicauthori,es.
1.2. TheActdoesnotgivepeopleaccesstotheirownpersonaldata(informa,onaboutthemselves)suchastheirhealthrecordsorcreditreferencefile.Ifamemberofthepublicwantstoseeinforma,onthattheTrustholdsaboutthem,asubjectaccessrequestundertheDataProtec,onAct1998shouldbemade.
1.3. ThisPolicysetsouttheFrameworkforhowtheTedWraggMul,AcademyTrustmanagesitsobliga,onsundertheFreedomofInforma,onAct,intermsofrespondingtowriPenrequestsfromthepublicandpublishingcertaininforma,onaboutitsac,vi,esthroughtheFreedomofInforma,onActPublica,onScheme.
2. Defini,on
2.1. Forthepurposeofthisdocument:
a. TheTedWraggMul,AcademyTrustisreferredtoasTheTrust;
b. TheTrustreferstotheTrustandalltheAcademiesandSchoolswithintheTrust;
c. Academy/SchoolreferstoallAcademiesandSchoolswithintheTrust;
d. PupilsorStudentsreferstoallpupilsorstudentsbeingeducatedoronsiteatanyoneoftheschools/academieswithintheTrust.
3. LegalFramework
3.1. TheFreedomofInforma,onAct2000(FOI)camefullyintoforceonJanuary12005.UndertheAct,anypersonhasalegalrighttoaskforaccesstoinforma,onheldbytheTrust.Theyareen,tledtobetoldwhethertheTrustholdstheinforma,on,andtoreceiveacopy,subjecttocertainexemp,ons.
4. ScopeoftheFOIAct
4.1. TheActcoversallrecordedinforma,onheldbytheTrust.Itisnotlimitedtoofficialdocumentsanditcovers,forexample,draYs,emails,notes,recordingsoftelephoneconversa,onsandCCTVrecordings.Norisitlimitedtoinforma,onthathasbeencreated,soitalsocovers,forexample,lePersreceivedfrommembersofthepublic,althoughtheremaybeagoodreasonnottoreleasethem.
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4.2. Requestsforrecordedinforma,onaboutthehandlingofpreviousfreedomofinforma,onrequests(meta-requests)shouldbetreatednodifferentlyfromanyotherrequestforrecordedinforma,on.
4.3. TheActdoesnotcoverinforma,onthatisinsomeone’shead.Ifamemberofthepublicasksforinforma,on,informa,ononlyhastobeprovidedthatisalreadyinrecordedform.TheTrustdoesnothavetocreatenewinforma,onorfindtheanswertoaques,onfromstaffwhomayhappentoknowit.
4.4. TheActcoversinforma,onthatisheldonbehalfoftheTrust.Forexample,certaintypesofworkareoutsourcedtoanotherprovider.
4.5. Outsourcedservicesundertakenbyanexternalcompanymayholdinforma,onontheTrust’sbehalf.Someoftheinforma,onheldbytheexternalcompanymaybecoveredbytheActifafreedomofinforma,onrequestisreceived.Thecompanydoesnothavetoansweranyrequestsforinforma,onitreceives,buttheymayforwardrequeststotheTrust.
4.6. TheActdoesnotcoverinforma,ontheTrustholdssolelyonbehalfofanotherperson,bodyororganisa,on.Thismeansemployees’purelyprivateinforma,onisnotcovered,evenifitisonaworkcomputeroremailaccount;norisinforma,onstoredsolelyonbehalfofatradeunion,oranindividualGovernororTrustee.
5. FOIPublica,onScheme
5.1. TheTrusthasadoptedtheModelPublica,onSchemeforSchoolsapprovedbytheInforma,onCommissionerandisheldinAppendix1.Thispublica,onschemecommitstheTrusttomakinginforma,onavailabletothepublicaspartofitsnormalbusinessac,vi,es.Theinforma,oncoveredisincludedinclassesofinforma,on,wherethisinforma,onisheldbytheTrust.
5.2. TheschemecommitstheTrustto:
a. proac,velypublishorotherwisemakeavailableasamaPerofrou,ne,informa,on,includingenvironmentalinforma,on,whichisheldbytheTrustandfallswithintheclassifica,ons;
b. specifytheinforma,onwhichisheldbytheTrustandfallswithintheclassifica,ons;
c. proac,velypublishorotherwisemakeavailableasamaPerofrou,ne,informa,oninlinewiththestatementscontainedwithinthisscheme;
d. produceandpublishthemethodsbywhichthespecificinforma,onismaderou,nelyavailablesothatitcanbeeasilyiden,fiedandaccessedbymembersofthepublic;
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e. reviewandupdateonaregularbasistheinforma,ontheTrustmakesavailableunderthisscheme;
f. produceascheduleofanyfeeschargedforaccesstoinforma,onwhichismadeproac,velyavailable;
g. makethispublica,onschemeavailabletothepublic;
h. publishanydatasetheldbytheauthoritythathasbeenrequested,andanyupdatedversionsitholds,unlesstheTrustissa,sfiedthatitisnotappropriatetodoso;topublishthedataset,wherereasonablyprac,cable,inanelectronicformthatiscapableofre-use;and,ifanyinforma,oninthedatasetisarelevantcopyrightworkandtheTrustistheonlyowner,tomaketheinforma,onavailableforre-useunderthetermsoftheRe-useofPublicSectorInforma,onRegula,ons2015,iftheyapply,andotherwiseunderthetermsoftheFreedomofInforma,onActsec,on19.Theterm‘dataset’isdefinedinsec,on11(5)oftheFreedomofInforma,onAct.Theterm‘relevantcopyrightwork’isdefinedinsec,on19(8)ofthatAct.
6. RespondingtoInforma,onRequests
6.1. TheTrustrecognisesitsdutyto:
a. provideadviceandassistancetoanyonereques,nginforma,on.TheTrustwillrespondtostraighcorwardverbalrequestsforinforma,on,andwillhelpenquirerstoputmorecomplexverbalrequestsintowri,ngsothattheycanbehandledundertheAct;
b. tellenquirerswhetherornottheTrustholdstheinforma,ontheyarereques,ng(thedutytoconfirmordeny),andprovideaccesstotheinforma,ontheTrustholdsinaccordancewiththeprocedureslaiddowninAppendix2.
6.2. ManagingInforma,onRequests
a. TheChiefOpera,ngOfficerisresponsibleforrespondingtoinforma,onrequeststhatrelate to theTrustasawhole, rather than toaspecificSchoolorAcademy.Theyarealso responsible foroverseeing theapplica,onof thispolicy, co-ordina,ngenquiries,leadingontheanyFOIcomplaintsorrequeststoreviewdecisionsand isthe leadforanyadvice,guidanceortraining.
b. Schools and Academies are responsible for responding to informa,on requests thatrelatetotheirschool,inaccordancewiththeSchemeofDelega,on,howeverthishasbeenlimitedtorespondingtotheini,alrequests,anycomplaintsorrequeststoreviewdecisionshavenotbeendelegated,thereforeshouldbereferredtotheChiefOpera,ngOfficer. EachSchoolandAcademywithintheTrustmustappointapersonresponsiblefor FOI informa,on requests, this person must be no,fied to the Chief Opera,ngOfficer.
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c. Schools and Academies are required to update the Central FOI request trackerdatabasewiththeinforma,onrequeststhatarereceived,toenabletheTrusttohaveacompleteoverviewandreportonallFOIrequestsatTrustlevel.
d. RequestsunderFOIcanbeaddressedtoanyoneintheTrust;soallstaffwillbemadeawareoftheprocessfordealingwithrequests.TheTrusthassetupacentralFOIemailaddresstoassistmembersof thepublicwhensubmiengrequests for informa,ontothe Trust and to enable Schools and Academies to communicate with the ChiefOpera,ngOfficer,regardinganyrequestsforguidance,enablearequesttobedirectedtothecorrectplaceorforacomplaintorrequestforreviewtobereferred.TheChiefOpera,ng Officer is responsible for managing the email account, which [email protected]
e. Requestsmustbemadeinwri,ng,(includingemail),andshouldincludetheenquirersnameandcorrespondenceaddress,andstatewhatinforma,ontheyrequire.Theydonothavetomen,ontheAct,nordotheyhavetosaywhytheywanttheinforma,on.There is a duty to respond to all requests, telling the enquirer whether or not theinforma,on is held, and supplying any informa,on that is held, except whereexemp,onsapply.
f. There isa,melimitof20daysexcludingschoolholidaysforrespondingtoarequestandmustberespondedtoinaccordancetotheprocedureslaiddowninAppendix2.
g. Certain informa,on is subject to either absolute or qualified exemp,ons. Theexemp,onsarelistedinAppendix3.Whenapplyingaqualifiedexemp,ontoarequest,thepublicinteresttestproceduresneedtobeinvokedtodetermineifpublicinterestinapplyingtheexemp,onoutweighsthepublicinterestindisclosingtheinforma,on.
h. Unlessitisinthepublicinteresttowithholdinforma,on,itwillbereleased.ThePublicInterest Test will be applied before any qualified exemp,ons are invoked. Forinforma,ononapplyingthePublicInterestTestseeAppendix4.
6.3. Charging
a. TheTrustreservestherighttorefusetosupplyinforma,onwherethecostofdoingsoexceeds the statutory maximum, currently £450. See Appendix 5 for furtherinforma,on.
6.4. RecordingInforma,onRequests
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a. AnFOITrackerDatabasewillbemaintained, includingwherearefusal torequesthasbeenmade.
7. Complaints
7.1. Ifamemberofthepublicisunhappywiththeservicetheyhavereceivedinrela,ontotheirrequestandwishtomakeacomplaintorrequestareviewofthedecision,theyshouldbeinformed to put it in wri,ng to the following contact details, this informa,on should beprovidedinthelePersentoutinresponsetotherequest:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,
c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,
ExeterEX44JS,
7.2. TheTrustwillaimtodetermineallcomplaintswithin10daysofreceipt.ThecomplaintwillbedealtwithbytheChiefOpera,ngOfficer,ortheChairoftheTrust,iftheChiefOpera,ngOfficerdealtwiththeoriginalinforma,onrequest.
7.3. Ifon inves,ga,ontheoriginaldecision isupheld, then theTrusthasaduty to informthecomplainantoftheirrighttoappealtotheInforma,onCommissioner’soffice,whichwillbedetailed in the response lePer. Appeals should be made in wri,ng to the Informa,onCommissioner’soffice.Theycanbecontactedat:
FOI/EIRComplaintsResolu,on
Informa,onCommissioner’sOffice
WycliffeHouse
WaterLane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK95AF
8. PolicyCircula,on
8.1. ThisPolicywillbepublishedontheTrust’swebsiteandincludedintheTrust’sPolicyMonitoringSchedule.
8.2. ThisPolicywillbecirculatedtoeveryMember,Trustee/Director,GovernorandSeniorEmployeebysendinganemailtothelinkontheTrust’swebsiteonanannualbasisandwheneachnewMember,Trustee/Director,GovernorandSeniorEmployeejoinstheTrust.
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8.3. TheTrustees,inconsulta,onwiththeLocalGoverningBodies,areresponsibleforoverseeing,reviewingandorganisingtherevisionoftheFreedomofInforma,onPolicy.
Adop,onofthePolicy
ThisPolicyhasbeenadoptedbytheTrusteesoftheTedWraggMul,AcademyTrust.
Signed________________________
(ChairofTrust)
Date_____________
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Appendix1–Publica,onScheme
Publica,onScheme–TheTedWraggMul,AcademyTrust
Informa,ontobepublished HowtheInforma,oncanbeObtained Charge?
WhoweareandwhatwedoOrganisa,onalinforma,on,loca,onsandcontacts,cons,tu,onalandlegalgovernance.
TrustandAcademywebsites:TedWraggMul,AcademyTrustIscaAcademyCranbrookEduca,onCampusStJamesSchool
hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk
None
TrustLegalandFundingDocuments: hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
TrustSchemeofDelega,on [email protected]
None
TrustGovernance hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/team None
Namesofkeypersonnel hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/team None
Loca,onandcontactinforma,on hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/enquiry-form
None
ConflictofInterestRegister&Log hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
WhatwespendandhowwespenditFinancialinforma,onrela,ngtoprojectedandactualincomeandexpenditure,tendering,procurementandcontracts.
Compe,,veTenderingPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-informa,on
None
AnnualReportandFinancialStatements
hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
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AuditCommiPeeMee,ngtermsofReferenceandMee,ngMinutes
hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs
None
PayPolicy [email protected]
None
ExpensesPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
Whatourpriori,esareandhowwearedoingStrategyandperformanceinforma,on,plans,assessments,inspec,onsandreviews.
TrustMee,ngs hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs
None
StrategicPlan [email protected]
None
RiskRegister [email protected]
None
AuditCommiPeeMee,ngTermsofReferenceandMee,ngMinutes
hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs
None
HowwemakedecisionsPolicyproposalsanddecisions.Decisionmakingprocesses,internalcriteriaandprocedures,consulta,ons.
TrustMee,ngs hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs
None
TrustSchemeofDelega,on [email protected]
None
TWMATDecisionLogs [email protected]
None
GovernanceDiagram [email protected]
None
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Ourpoliciesandprocedures(CurrentwriPenprotocols,policiesandproceduresfordeliveringourservicesandresponsibili,es).Currentinforma,ononly.
TrustPolicies hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
TrustHRPolicies [email protected]
None
ListsandRegistersCurrentlymaintainedlistsandregistersonly
ConflictofInterestRegister&Log hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
Theservicesweoffer(Informa,onabouttheservicesweoffer,includingleaflets,guidanceandnewslePersproducedforthepublicandbusinesses).
TrustNews hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/news None
Publica,onScheme–IscaAcademy
Informa,ontobepublished HowtheInforma,oncanbeObtained Charge?
WhoweareandwhatwedoOrganisa,onalinforma,on,loca,onsandcontacts,cons,tu,onalandlegalgovernance.
IscaAcademyWebsite: hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/ None
Schoolstaffandstructure–namesofkeypersonnel
hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/staff-list
None
Governingbody–namesandcontactdetailsofthegovernorsandthebasisoftheirappointment
hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/governingbody
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Schoolsession,mes,termdatesandholidays
hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/useful-informa,on
Loca,onandcontactinforma,on hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/contact
Prospectus hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/admissions
WhatwespendandhowwespenditFinancialinforma,onrela,ngtoprojectedandactualincomeandexpenditure,tendering,procurementandcontracts.
Compe,,veTenderingPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-informa,on
None
FinancialMonitoring hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/governingbody/local-governing-body-minutes
PayPolicy [email protected]
None
ExpensesPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
Whatourpriori,esareandhowwearedoingStrategyandperformanceinforma,on,plans,assessments,inspec,onsandreviews.
StrategicPlan [email protected]
None
RiskRegister [email protected]
None
SchoolDevelopmentPlan [email protected]
None
OFSTED hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/ofsted
None
ExamPerformance hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/examperformance
None
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PupilPremium hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/learning/pupil-premium
None
SpecialEduca,onalNeeds hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/learning/special-educa,onal-needs
None
HowwemakedecisionsPolicyproposalsanddecisions.Decisionmakingprocesses,internalcriteriaandprocedures,consulta,ons.
TrustMee,ngs hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs
None
TrustSchemeofDelega,on [email protected]
None
GoverningBodyMee,ngMinutes hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/governingbody/local-governing-body-minutes
None
Admissions/AdmissionsPolicy hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/about-us/admissions
None
Ourpoliciesandprocedures(CurrentwriPenprotocols,policiesandproceduresfordeliveringourservicesandresponsibili,es).Currentinforma,ononly.
TrustPolicies hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
AcademyPolicies hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/useful-informa,on/policies
None
Safeguarding hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/useful-informa,on/safeguarding
None
TrustHRPolicies [email protected]
None
ListsandRegistersCurrentlymaintainedlistsandregistersonly
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ConflictofInterestRegister&Log hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
Theservicesweoffer(Informa,onabouttheservicesweoffer,includingleaflets,guidanceandnewslePersproducedforthepublicandbusinesses).
IscaMaPersNewslePers hPp://www.iscaexeter.co.uk/student-work
Publica,onScheme–CranbrookEduca,onCampus
Informa,ontobepublished HowtheInforma,oncanbeObtained Charge?
WhoweareandwhatwedoOrganisa,onalinforma,on,loca,onsandcontacts,cons,tu,onalandlegalgovernance.
CranbrookEduca,onCampusWebsite:
hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/ None
Schoolstaffandstructure–namesofkeypersonnel
hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/Staff.aspx
None
Governingbody–namesandcontactdetailsofthegovernorsandthebasisoftheirappointment
hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/Governors.aspx
None
Schoolsession,mes,termdatesandholidays
hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/ParentInforma,on.aspx
None
Loca,onandcontactinforma,on hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/Contact.aspx
None
Prospectus hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/ParentInforma,on.aspx
None
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WhatwespendandhowwespenditFinancialinforma,onrela,ngtoprojectedandactualincomeandexpenditure,tendering,procurementandcontracts.
Compe,,veTenderingPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-informa,on
None
FinancialMonitoring hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/Minutes.aspx
None
PayPolicy [email protected] None
ExpensesPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
Whatourpriori,esareandhowwearedoingStrategyandperformanceinforma,on,plans,assessments,inspec,onsandreviews.
StrategicPlan [email protected] None
RiskRegister [email protected] None
SchoolDevelopmentPlan [email protected] None
OFSTED hPps://new.devon.gov.uk/schools/school/cranbrook-educa,on-campus/
None
Performance hPps://new.devon.gov.uk/schools/school/cranbrook-educa,on-campus/
None
HowwemakedecisionsPolicyproposalsanddecisions.Decisionmakingprocesses,internalcriteriaandprocedures,consulta,ons.
TrustMee,ngs hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs None
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TrustSchemeofDelega,on [email protected] None
GoverningBodyMee,ngMinutes hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/Minutes.aspx
None
Admissions/AdmissionsPolicy hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/AdmissionInforma,on.aspx
None
NurseryApplica,ons hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/ParentInforma,on.aspx
Ourpoliciesandprocedures(CurrentwriPenprotocols,policiesandproceduresfordeliveringourservicesandresponsibili,es).Currentinforma,ononly.
TrustPolicies hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
AcademyPolicies hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/Policies.aspx
None
TrustHRPolicies [email protected] None
ListsandRegistersCurrentlymaintainedlistsandregistersonly
ConflictofInterestRegister&Log hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
Theservicesweoffer(Informa,onabouttheservicesweoffer,includingleaflets,guidanceandnewslePersproducedforthepublicandbusinesses).
NewslePers hPp://www.cranbrookeduca,oncampus.org.uk/ParentInforma,on.aspx
None
Publica,onScheme–StJamesSchool
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Informa,ontobepublished HowtheInforma,oncanbeObtained Charge?
WhoweareandwhatwedoOrganisa,onalinforma,on,loca,onsandcontacts,cons,tu,onalandlegalgovernance.
StJamesSchoolWebsite: hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/ None
Schoolstaffandstructure–namesofkeypersonnel
None
Headteacher’swelcome hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/home/headteachers-welcome/
None
Governingbody–namesandcontactdetailsofthegovernorsandthebasisoftheirappointment
hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/staff/governors-public/
None
Schoolsession,mes,termdatesandholidays
hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/calendar-3/
None
Loca,onandcontactinforma,on hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/contact-us/
None
WhatwespendandhowwespenditFinancialinforma,onrela,ngtoprojectedandactualincomeandexpenditure,tendering,procurementandcontracts.
Compe,,veTenderingPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-informa,on
None
FinancialMonitoring [email protected]
None
PayPolicy [email protected]
None
ExpensesPolicy hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
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Whatourpriori,esareandhowwearedoingStrategyandperformanceinforma,on,plans,assessments,inspec,onsandreviews.
StrategicPlan [email protected]
None
RiskRegister [email protected]
None
SchoolDevelopmentPlan [email protected]
None
OFSTED hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/ofsted-2/ None
Performance hPps://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/113507
None
PupilPremium hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/ofsted-2/pupil-premium/
None
SpecialEduca,onalNeeds hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/staff/sen/ None
HowwemakedecisionsPolicyproposalsanddecisions.Decisionmakingprocesses,internalcriteriaandprocedures,consulta,ons.
TrustMee,ngs hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/trust-mee,ngs
None
TrustSchemeofDelega,on [email protected]
None
GoverningBodyMee,ngMinutes [email protected]
None
Admissions/AdmissionsPolicy hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/admissions/
None
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Ourpoliciesandprocedures(CurrentwriPenprotocols,policiesandproceduresfordeliveringourservicesandresponsibili,es).Currentinforma,ononly.
TrustPolicies hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/policies None
AcademyPolicies hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/parents-carers/school-policies/
None
TrustHRPolicies [email protected]
None
ListsandRegistersCurrentlymaintainedlistsandregistersonly
ConflictofInterestRegister&Log hPp://www.tedwraggtrust.co.uk/financial-legal-documents
None
Theservicesweoffer(Informa,onabouttheservicesweoffer,includingleaflets,guidanceandnewslePersproducedforthepublicandbusinesses).
News hPp://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/latest-news/
None
Schedule of Charges TypeofCharge
Descrip,on BasisofCharge
Disbursementcost Photocopying/prin,ng@3ppersheet(black&white)
Actualcost
Photocopying/prin,ng@10ppersheet(colour) Actualcost
Postage ActualcostofRoyalMailstandard2ndclass
StatutoryFee Inaccordancewiththerelevantlegisla,on
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Appendix2–ProcedureforDealingwithRequests
Whenaninforma,onrequestisreceived,thefollowingprocessneedstobefollowed,byansweringthefollowingques,ons.TheTrusthassetupacentralFOIemailaddresstoassistamemberofth
1. IsitaFOIrequestforinforma3on?
Arequestforinforma,onmaybecoveredbyone,orall,ofthreeinforma,onrights:
a. DataProtec,onenquiries(orsubjectaccessrequests)areoneswheretheenquireraskstoseewhat personal informa,on the school holds about the enquirer. If the enquiry is a DataProtec,onrequest,theTrustDPAPolicymustbefollowed.
b. Environmental Informa,on Regula,ons enquiries are ones which relate to air, water, land,natural sites, built environment, flora and fauna, and health, and any decisions and ac,vi,esaffec,ng any of these. These could therefore include enquiries about recycling, phonemasts,schoolplayingfields,carparkingetc. If theenquiry isaboutenvironmental informa,on, followtheguidanceontheICO’sorDEFRAwebsite.
c. FOIenquiriesareconcernedwithallotherinforma,onandthereasoningbehinddecisionsandpolicies.Therequestdoesnothavetomen,ontheFOIAct.Allrequestsforinforma,onthatarenotdataprotec,onorenvironmentalinforma,onrequestsarecoveredbytheFOIAct.
2. IsthisavalidFOIrequestforinforma3on?
3.AnFOIrequestshould:
a. beinwri,ng,includingemailorFAX;
b. statetheenquirer’snameandcorrespondenceaddress(emailaddressesareallowed);
c. describe the informa,on requested - theremustbeenough informa,on tobeable to iden,fyandlocatetheinforma,on;andnotbecoveredbyoneoftheotherpiecesoflegisla,on.
In cases where the enquiry is ambiguous, assist the enquirer to describe more clearly theinforma,onrequested.Wherepossible,establishdirectcontact.Theaim is toclarify thenatureoftheinforma,onrequestedandnottodeterminetheaimsormo,va,onoftheenquirer.Ifweno,fytheenquirerthatweneedfurtherinforma,ontoenableustoanswer,wedonothavetodealwiththe requestun,l the further informa,on is received.The response,me limit starts from thedatethisisreceived.
VerbalenquiriesarenotcoveredbytheFOIAct.Suchenquiriescanbedealtwithwheretheenquiryis rela,vely straighcorward and can be dealt with sa,sfactorily. However, for more complexenquiries, and to avoid disputes overwhatwas asked for, the enquirermust be asked to put therequestinwri,ngoremail,whentherequestwillthenbecomesubjecttoFOI.
3. DoestheTrustholdtheinforma3on?
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“Holding”informa,onmeansinforma,onrela,ngtothebusinessoftheTrust:
a. theTrusthascreated,or
b. theTrusthasreceivedfromanotherbodyorperson,or
c. heldbyanotherbodyontheTrust’sbehalf.
Informa,onmeansbothhardcopyanddigitalinforma,on,includingemail.
IftheTrustdoesnotholdtheinforma,on,itdoesnothavetobecreatedoracquiredjusttoanswertheenquiry,althoughareasonablesearchshouldbemadebeforedenyingthattheTrustholdsthisinforma,on.
4. Hastheinforma3onrequestedalreadybeenmadepublic?
If the informa,on requested is already in the public domain, for instance through the Publica,onSchemeoronawebsite, theenquirer shouldbedirected to the informa,on,withanexplana,onregardinghowtoaccessit.
5. Istherequestvexa3ousormanifestlyunreasonableorrepeated?
TheActstatesthatthereisnoobliga,ontocomplywithvexa,ousrequests.Thisistakentomeanarequest which is designed to cause inconvenience, harassment or expense rather than to obtaininforma,on,andwouldrequireasubstan,aldiversionofresourcesorwouldotherwiseunderminetheworkoftheTrust.Thishoweverdoesnotprovideanexcuseforbadrecordsmanagement.
6. CantheTrusttransferarequesttoanotherbody?
If the informa,on isheldbyanotherpublicauthority,TheTrustmustfirst check that theyhold it,thentransfertherequesttothem.Theenquirershouldthenbeno,fiedthattheTrustdonotholdtheinforma,onandtowhomtherequesthasbeentransferredto.Theenquirymustbeansweredinrespectofinforma,ontheTrustdoeshold.
7. Couldathirdparty’sinterestsbeaffectedbydisclosure?
Itisnotintendedtoincludeotherwisevalidrequestsinwhichtheapplicantmaymakecomplaintsorventfrustra,ons.TheTrustdoesnothavetocomplywithrepeatediden,calorsubstan,allysimilarrequestsfromthesameapplicantunlessa“reasonable”intervalhaselapsedbetweenrequests.
Consulta,onofthirdpar,esmaybeundertakeniftheirinterestscouldbeaffectedbyreleaseoftheinforma,on requested, and any such consulta,onmay influence the decision. Consulta,on is notrequiredifanexemp,onisappliedmeaningthattheinforma,onwon’tbereleased.
8. Consulta,onwillbenecessarywhere:
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1. disclosureof informa,onmayaffect the legal rightsofa thirdparty, suchas the right tohavecertain informa,ontreated inconfidenceorrightsunderAr,cle8oftheEuropeanConven,ononHumanRights;
2. theviewsofthethirdpartymayassistindeterminingifinforma,onisexemptfromdisclosure,or
3. theviewsofthethirdpartymayassistindeterminingthepublicinterest.
9. Doesanexemp3onapply?
Thepresump,onofthelegisla,onisthattheTrustwilldiscloseinforma,onunlesstheActprovidesaspecificreasontowithhold it.Therearemorethan20exemp,ons.Theyaresetout inAppendix3andaremainlyintendedtoprotectsensi,veorconfiden,alinforma,on.
Exemp,ons should be reviewed to see if they apply, where the Trust has real concerns aboutdisclosingthe informa,on.Eventhen,wherethepoten,alexemp,on isaqualifiedexemp,on,thepublic interest test will also be considered in order to see if the public interest in applying theexemp,onoutweighsthepublicinterestindisclosingit.Therefore,unlessitisinthepublicinteresttowithhold the informa,on, ithas tobe released.Appendix4 containsguidanceon conduc,ngapublicinteresttest.
10. Whatiftherequestisforpersonalinforma3on?
Personal informa,on requestedby the subjectof that informa,on isexemptunder theFOIActassuch informa,on is covered by the Data Protec,on Act. Individuals must, therefore, con,nue tomake a ‘subject access request’ under the Data Protec,on Act if they wish to access suchinforma,on.
11. Whatifthedetailscontainpersonalinforma3on?
Personal informa,onrequestedbythirdpar,es isalsoexemptundertheFOIActwherereleaseofthat informa,onwouldbreach theDataProtec,onAct. If a request ismade for adocument (e.g.GoverningBodyminutes)whichcontainspersonalinforma,onwhosereleasetoathirdpartywouldbreachtheDataProtec,onAct,thedocumentmaybeissuedbyblankingouttherelevantpersonalinforma,onassetoutintheredac,onprocedure.Theprocedureforredac,onis:
i)maskthepassageswhicharenottobedisclosedandphotocopy;
(ii)annotateinthemarginagainsteachblankpassage,theexemp,onandsec,onoftheActunderwhichthispassageapplies.
12. Whatisthecostofprovidinginforma3on?
TheActallowstheTrusttochargeforprovidinginforma,on.Forfurtherinforma,on,seeAppendix5.
Thefirststepistodetermineifthethreshold(currently£450)wouldbeexceeded.Staffcostsshouldbecalculatedat£25perhour.
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Ifarequestwouldcostlessthantheappropriatelimit,(currently£450)theTrustcanonlychargeforthe cost of informing the applicant whether the informa,on is held, and communica,ng theinforma,ontotheapplicant(e.g.photocopying,prin,ngandpostagecosts).Ifarequestwouldcostmorethantheappropriatelimit,(£450)theTrustcanturntherequestdown,answerandchargeafee,oranswerandwaivethefee.Ifitdecidestochargeafee,anddoesnothaveotherpowerstodoso,itcanchargeonthebasisofthecostsoutlinedinAppendix5.
Inprac,cetheTrustwillrespondtostraighcorwardenquiriesfreeofchargeandchargewherethecostsaresignificant.
Whenachargeisgoingtobemadeafeesno,cewillbesenttotheenquirerandthendonothavetocomplywiththerequestun,lthefeehasbeenpaid.Appendix5givesmoreinforma,ononcharging.
13. Istherea,melimitforreplyingtotheenquirer?
Compliancewith a requestmustbeprompt and certainlywithin the legally prescribed limit of 20working days, excluding school holidays. Failure to comply could result in a complaint to theInforma,onCommissioner.Theresponse,mestarts fromthe,metherequest is received.WheretheTrusthasasked theenquirer formore informa,on toenable it toansweranswer, the20daysstart,mebeginswhenthisfurtherinforma,onhasbeenreceived.
Ifaqualifiedexemp,onappliesandtheTrustneedsmore,metoconsiderthepublicinteresttest,areplywithinthe20dayswillbesentsta,ngthatanexemp,onappliesincludinganes,mateofthedatebywhichadecisiononthepublicinteresttestwillbemade.
Where the enquirer has been no,fied that a charge is to be made, the ,me period stops un,lpaymentisreceivedandthencon,nuesagainoncepaymenthasbeenreceived.
14. Whatac3onisrequiredtorefusearequest?
Ifitisdecidedtorefusearequest,arefusalno,ceshouldbesent,whichwillcontain:
i)thefactthattheresponsiblepersoncannotprovidetheinforma,onaskedfor;
ii)whichexemp,on(s)apply;
iii)whytheexemp,on(s)applytothisenquiry(ifitisnotself-evident);
iv)reasonsforrefusalifbasedoncostofcompliance(seeAppendix5)
v)inthecaseofnon-absoluteexemp,ons,howthepublicinteresttesthasbeenapplied,specifyingthepublicinterestfactorstakenintoaccountbeforereachingthedecision(seeAppendix4)
vi)reasonsforrefusalonvexa,ousorrepeatedgrounds
vii)thecomplaintsprocedure.
FormonitoringpurposestheFOITrackermustbecompletedwiththereasonsforrefusal.
15. Whatdowedoifsomeonecomplains?
AnywriPen (including email) expression of dissa,sfac,on - even if it does not specifically seek areview–shouldbereferredto theChiefOpera,ngOfficer.Therecordof thecomplaintsandtheiroutcomewillberecordedintheFOITracker.
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When theoriginal requesthasbeen reviewedand theoutcome is that the informa,on shouldbedisclosedthisshouldbedoneassoonasprac,cable.Whentheoutcomeisthatprocedureshavenotbeen properly followed, the procedures will be reviewed to prevent any recurrence. When theoutcome upholds the original decision or ac,on, the applicant will be informed of their right toappealtotheInforma,onCommissioner.Theappealshouldbemadeinwri,ngto:
FOIComplianceTeam(complaints)
WycliffeHouse
WaterLane
Wilmslow
CheshireSK95AF
Appendix3Exemp,ons
Although decisions on disclosure should be made on a presump,on of openness, the FOI Actrecognisestheneedtopreserveconfiden,alityandprotectsensi,vematerialinsomecircumstances.
Informa,onwillnotbewithheldinresponsetoavalidrequestUNLESSoneofthefollowingapplies:-
1. anexemp,ontodisclosure,or
2. theinforma,onsoughtisnotheld,or
3. therequestisconsideredvexa,ousorrepeatedor
4. thecostofcomplianceexceedsthethreshold(seeAppendix5)
Thedutytoconfirmordeny
Apersonapplyingforinforma,onhastherighttobetoldiftheinforma,onrequestedisheldandifthat is thecase tohave the informa,onsent (subject toanyof theexemp,ons).Thisobliga,on isknownastheTrust’s“dutytoconfirmordeny”thatitholdstheinforma,on.However,theTrustdoesnothavetoconfirmordenyif:-
a. theexemp,onisanabsoluteexemp,on,or
b. in the case of qualified exemp,ons, confirming or denying would itself disclose exemptedinforma,on
Exemp3ons
Aseriesofexemp,onsaresetoutintheActwhichallowthewithholdingofinforma,oninrela,ontoanenquiry.Someareveryspecialisedintheirapplica,on(suchasna,onalsecurity)andwouldnotusuallyberelevant.
Therearetwogeneralcategoriesofexemp,ons:-
Absolute:wherethereisnorequirementtoconfirmordenythattheinforma,onisheld,disclosetheinforma,onorconsiderthepublicinterest;and
Qualified: where, even if an exemp,on applies, there is a duty to consider the public interest indisclosinginforma,on
WhataretheAbsoluteExemp3ons?
Thereare8absoluteexemp,onslistedintheAct.Evenwhereanabsoluteexemp,onapplies:-
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a. itdoesnotmeanthattheTrustcan’tdiscloseinallcases;itmeansthatdisclosureisnotrequiredbytheAct.Adecisioncouldbetakentoignoretheexemp,onandreleasetheinforma,ontakingintoaccountallthefactsofthecase
b. thereiss,llalegalobliga,ontoprovidereasonableadviceandassistancetotheenquirer
Theabsoluteexemp,onsintheActaresetoutbelow.
Informa,onaccessibletotheenquirerbyothermeans(Sec,on21)Ifinforma,onisreasonablyaccessibletotheapplicantbyanotherroutethantheAct, it isexemptinforma,on.This isthecaseeven if theenquirerwouldhave topay for the informa,onunder thatalterna,ve route.This exemp,on includes cases where the Trust is required to give informa,on under otherlegisla,on,orwheretheinforma,onisavailableviathePublica,onScheme.
Informa,on dealing with security mabers (Sec,on 23) (see also qualified exemp,on underSec,on24onna,onalsecurity).Thisappliestoinforma,ondirectlyorindirectlysuppliedby,orrela,ngto,bodiesdealingwithsecuritymaPerssuchasGCHQ,MI5,MI6,SpecialForcesandtheNa,onalCriminalIntelligenceService.
Court records (Sec,on 32) – (see also the qualified exemp,on under Sec,on 30 concerninginves,ga,ons and proceedings conducted by public authori,es).This applies to informa,onrelatedtoproceedingsinacourtortribunalorservedonapublicauthorityforthepurposesofproceedings.
ParliamentaryPrivilege(Sec,on34).Thisexemptsinforma,onifitisrequiredforthepurposeof avoiding an infringement of the Parliamentary privilege. Parliamentary privilege is animmunity wherebyMPs cannot be prosecuted for sedi,on or sued for libel or slander overanythingsaidduringproceedingsintheHouse.
Prejudice to the effec,ve conduct of public affairs (Sec,on 36) – see also the qualifiedexemp,onpartofSec,on36.Thisrelatestothemaintenanceofthecollec,veresponsibilityofMinisters.
Personalinforma,on(Sec,on40)-seealsothequalifiedexemp,onpartofSec,on40.Whereenquirersasktosee informa,onaboutthemselves, this isexemptundertheActbecause it iscoveredbytheDataProtec,onAct.
Informa,on provided in confidence (Sec,on 41).This relates to informa,on obtained from apersonifitsdisclosurewouldcons,tuteabreachofconfidenceac,onablebythat,oranother,person.
Prohibi,onsondisclosure(Sec,on44)Informa,onisexemptwhereitsdisclosureisprohibitedunderanyotherlegisla,onbyorderofacourtorwhereitwouldcons,tuteacontemptofcourtorwhereitisincompa,blewithanyECobliga,on.
WhataretheQualifiedExemp3ons?
Withqualifiedexemp,ons,evenifitisdecidedthatanexemp,onapplies,thereisadutytoconsiderthepublicinterestinconfirmingordenyingthattheinforma,onexistsandindisclosinginforma,on.Thequalifiedexemp,onsintheActaresetoutbelow.
Informa,on intendedfor futurepublica,on (Sec,on22).Ifat the,metherequestwasmadeinforma,on is held with a view to publica,on, then it is exempt from disclosure if it isreasonable that it should not be disclosed un,l the intended date of publica,on. This could
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apply for instance to sta,s,cs published at set intervals, for example annually or whereinforma,onisincompleteanditwouldbeinappropriatetopublishprematurely.Thereisalegaldutytoprovidereasonableadviceandassistance.
Na,onalsecurity (Sec,on24) (seealsoabsoluteexemp,on23) Informa,on isexempt for thepurposesofsafeguardingna,onalsecurity.
Defence(Sec,on26)Informa,onisexemptifitsdisclosurewouldprejudicethedefenceoftheUK.
Interna,onal rela,ons (Sec,on27) Informa,on isexempt if itsdisclosurewouldorwouldbelikelyto,prejudicerela,onsbetweentheUKandanyotherstate,interna,onalorganisa,on.
Rela,onswithinUK(Sec,on28)Informa,onisexemptifitsdisclosurewouldorwouldbelikelyto, prejudice rela,ons between any administra,on in the UK ie the Government, ScoeshAdministra,on,NorthernIrelandAssembly,orNa,onalAssemblyofWales.
Theeconomy(Sec,on29)Notethefollowing:-
a. theintendedpublica,ondoesnothavetobebytheTrust, itcanbebyanotherpersonorbodyonbehalfoftheTrust
b. the date of publica,on does not have to be known, it could be at some future date(althoughitisrecommendedthatsomeideaofalikelydateisgiven)
c. thedutytoconfirmordenydoesnotapplyiftodosowouldinvolvethedisclosureofanyoftherelevantinforma,on
Informa,onisexempt if itsdisclosurewould,orwouldbe likelyto,prejudicetheeconomicorfinancialinterestsoftheUK
Inves,ga,ons and proceedings conducted by public authori,es (Sec,on 30) Informa,on isexemptifithasatany,mebeenheldbytheschoolforthepurposesofcriminalinves,ga,onsorproceedings, suchasdeterminingwhether aperson shouldbe chargedwithanoffenceorwhetherachargedperson isguilty,or inves,ga,onswhichmay leadtoadecisionto ins,tutecriminalproceedings.Thedutytoconfirmordenydoesnotapplytosuchinforma,on.
Lawenforcement(Sec,on31)Informa,onwhichisnotexemptunderSec,on30Inves,ga,onsandProceedings,maybeexemptunder thisexemp,on in theevent thatdisclosurewould,orwouldbelikelyto,prejudicethefollowingamongothers:-
a. thepreven,onordetec,onofcrime
b. theapprehensionorprosecu,onofoffenders
c. theadministra,onofjus,ce
d. theexerciseoffunc,onssuchasascertainingifapersonhasbrokenthelaw,isresponsiblefor improper conduct, whether circumstances jus,fy regulatory ac,on, ascertaining aperson’sfitnessorcompetenceinrela,ontotheirprofession,ascertainingthecauseofanaccidentorprotec,ngorrecoveringchari,esoritsproper,es
e. anycivilproceedingsbroughtbyoronbehalfoftheTrustwhichariseoutofaninves,ga,oncarriedoutforanyofthepurposesmen,onedabove.
The duty to confirm or deny does not arise where prejudice would result to any of thesemaPers.
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AuditFunc,ons(Sec,on33)Informa,onisexemptifitsdisclosurewould,orwouldbelikelyto,prejudice the exercise of an authority’s func,ons in rela,on to the audit of the accounts ofotherpublicauthori,es.Itdoesnotapplytointernalauditreports.
Formula,on of government policy (Sec,on 35) Informa,on held is exempt informa,on if itrelates to the formula,onordevelopmentof governmentpolicy,ministerial communica,ons,advicebyLawOfficers(egAPorneyGeneral)andtheopera,onofanyMinisterialprivateoffice
Prejudice to the conduct of public affairs (Sec,on 36) (excluding maPers covered by theabsoluteexemp,onpartofSec,on36) Informa,onlikelytoprejudicethemaintenanceoftheconven,on of the collec,ve responsibility ofMinisters or likely to inhibit the free and frankprovisionofadviceorexchangeofviews
Communica,ons with the Queen (Sec,on 37) Informa,on is exempt if it relates tocommunica,onswith the Queen, the Royal Family or Royal Household or if it relates to theawardofhonours.Thedutytoconfirmordenydoesnotarisewherethisexemp,onapplies.
HealthandSafety(Sec,on38)Informa,onisexemptifitsdisclosurewouldorwouldbelikelytoendangerthesafetyorphysicalormentalhealthofanyindividual.Thedutytoconfirmordenydoesnotarisewhereprejudicewouldresult.
Environmentalinforma,on(Sec,on39)Informa,onisexemptunderFOIwhereitiscoveredbythe Environmental Informa,onRegula,ons. Environmental informa,on can cover informa,onrela,ngto:air,water,land,naturalsites,builtenvironment,floraandfauna,andhealth.Italsocoversallinforma,onrela,ngtodecisionsorac,vi,esaffec,nganyofthese.
Personalinforma,on(Sec,on40)–seealsotheabsoluteexemp,onpartofSec,on40Whereanindividualseeksinforma,onaboutthemselvesDataProtec,onActpowersapply.Wheretheinforma,on concerns a third party, it is exempt if its disclosure would contravene the DataProtec,on Act, or the data protec,on principles; or if the person to whom the informa,onrelateswouldnothavearightofaccesstoitbecauseitfallsunderoneoftheexemp,onstotheDataProtec,onAct.Thedutytoconfirmordenydoesnotariseinrela,ontothisinforma,onifdoingsowouldbeincompa,blewithanyoftheabove.
Legalprofessionalprivilege(Sec,on42)Legalprofessionalprivilegecoversanyadvicegivenbylegal advisers, solicitors and barristers. Generally such informa,onwill be privileged. A Trustwishingtodisclosetheinforma,onwillneedtoseekconsentfromtheprovideroftheadvice.Thisexemp,oncoversallsuchinforma,onwhereaclaimtolegalprofessionalprivilegecanbemaintained in legal proceedings. The duty to confirmor deny does not arisewhere to do sowouldinvolvethedisclosureofsuchinforma,on.
Commercialinterests(Sec,on43)Informa,onisexemptifitcons,tutesatradesecretorwouldbe likely toprejudice thecommercial interestsofanypersonorbody.Theduty toconfirmordenydoesnotarisewhereprejudicewould result to commercial interestsbutnotwhere theinforma,oncons,tutesatradesecret.
Protec3veMarkingsandApplyingExemp3ons
Thepresenceofaprotec,vemarking(Restricted,Confiden,alorSecret,withorwithoutdescriptorssuchas Staff,Management,Commercial etc)doesnot cons,tuteanexemp,onand isnot in itselfsufficientgroundsonwhichtopreventdisclosure.Eachcasemustbeconsideredonitsmerits.
Timing
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Where informa,on has previously been withheld, it must not be assumed that any subsequentrequestsforthesameinforma,onwillalsoberefused.Sensi,vityofinforma,ondecreaseswithageand the impact of any disclosure will be different depending on when the request is received.Therefore,foreachrequest,itwillbenecessarytoconsidertheharmthatcouldresultatthe,meoftherequestand,whiletakingintoaccountanypreviousexemp,onapplica,ons,eachcaseshouldbeconsideredseparately.
Nextsteps
Inallcases,beforewri,ngtotheenquirer,thepersongivenresponsibilityforFOIbytheschoolwillneed to ensure that the case has been properly considered, and that the reasons for refusal, orpublicinteresttestrefusal,aresound.
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Appendix4-ApplyingthePublicInterestTest
Background
Having established that a qualified exemp,on(s) definitely applies to a par,cular case, a publicinteresttestwillbecarriedouttoiden,fyifthepublicinterestinapplyingtheexemp,onoutweighsthe public interest in disclosing it. Therefore, unless it is in the public interest to withhold theinforma,on, it has tobe released.Althoughprecedent andadeveloped case lawwill play apart,individualcircumstanceswillvaryandeachcasewillneedtobeconsideredonitsownmerits.
Carryingoutthetest
What is in thepublic interest is notnecessarily the sameas thatwhichmaybeof interest to thepublic.ItmaybeirrelevantthatamaPermaybethesubjectofpubliccuriosity.Inmostcasesitwillbe rela,vely straighcorward to decidewhere the balance of the public interest in disclosure lies.However, therewill inevitably be caseswhere the decision is a difficult one. Applying such a testdependstoahighdegreeonobjec,vejudgementandabasicknowledgeofthesubjectmaPeranditswider impact in the school andpossiblywider. Factors thatmight be taken into accountwhenweighingthepublicinterestinclude:-
ForDisclosure AgainstDisclosure
Is disclosure likely to increase access toinforma,onheldbytheschool?
Isdisclosurelikelytodistortpublicrepor,ngorbemisleadingbecauseitisincomplete?
Is disclosure likely to give the reasons for adecision or allow individuals to understanddecisionsaffec,ngtheirlivesorassisttheminchallengingthosedecisions?
Is premature disclosure likely to prejudice fairscru,ny, or release sensi,ve issues s,ll on theinternalagendaorevolving?
Is d isc losure l ike ly to improve theaccountabilityandtransparencyoftheschoolin the use of public funds and help to showthatitobtainsvalueformoney?
Is disclosure likely to causeunnecessary publicalarmorconfusion?
Is disclosure likely to contribute to publicdebate and assist the understanding ofexis,ngorproposedpolicy?
Is disclosure likely to seriously jeopardise theschool’slegalorcontractualposi,on?
Is disclosure likely to increase publicpar,cipa,onindecision-making?
Is disclosure likely to infringe other legisla,one.g.DataProtec,onAct?
Is disclosure likely to increase publicpar,cipa,oninpoli,calprocessesingeneral?
Is disclosure likely to create a controversialprecedent on the release of informa,on orimpair
ourabilitytoobtaininforma,oninthefuture?
Is disclosure likely to bring to lightinforma,onaffec,ngpublicsafety?
Is disclosure likely to adversely affect theschool’s proper func,oning and discourageopennessinexpressingopinions?
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a. poten,al or actual embarrassment to, or loss of confidence in, the Trust, school, staff orgovernorsisNOTavalidfactor
b. thefactthattheinforma,onistechnical,complextounderstandandmaybemisunderstoodmaynotofitselfbeareasontowithholdinforma,on
c. thepoten,alharmofreleasing informa,onwill reduceover,meandshouldbeconsideredatthe ,me the request is made rather than by reference to when the relevant decision wasoriginallytaken·thebalanceofthepublicinterestindisclosurecannotalwaysbedecidedonthebasis of whether the disclosure of par,cular informa,on would cause harm, but on certainhigherorderconsidera,onssuchastheneedtopreserveconfiden,alityofinternaldiscussions
d. a decision not to release informa,on may be perverse i.e. would a decision to withholdinforma,onbecause it isnot in thepublic interest to release it, itself result inharm topublicsafety,theenvironmentorathirdparty?
DecidingonthepublicinterestisnotsimplyamaPerofaddingupthenumberofrelevantfactorsoneach side. Deciding how important each factor is in the circumstances is part of the overallassessment.
ForDisclosure
Wherethebalanceofthepublicinterestliesindisclosure,theenquiryshouldbedealtwithandtheinforma,onrequiredshouldbemadeavailable.Wherethefactorsareequally-balanced,thedecisionshouldusuallyfavourdisclosure(butsee3rdbulletpointabove).
AgainstDisclosure
AYer carrying out the public interest test if it is decided that the exemp,on should s,ll apply,proceedtoreplytotherequest.Therewillbeoccasionswhenithasbeendecidedthataqualifiedexemp,onappliesbutconsidera,onofthepublic interesttestmaytakelonger. Insuchacase,theenquirer should be contactedwithin 20working days sta,ng that a par,cular exemp,on applies,includinganes,mateofthedatebywhichadecisiononthepublicinteresttestwillbemade.Thisshould bewithin a “reasonable” ,me – in prac,ce, it is recommended this decision ismade andcommunicated within the 20 days but where not possible it is suggested that no more than 10workingdaysbeyondthe20daysshouldbeallowed.
Isdisclosurelikelytoreducefurtherenquiriesonthetopic?
If a large amount of informa,on on the topichasalreadybeenmadeavailable,wouldfurtherdisclosure shed any more light or serve anyusefulpurpose?
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APPENDIX5-Charging
Important:DifferentchargesapplyforrequestsundertheDataProtec,onAct
Maywechargeafee?
FOIdoesnotrequirechargestobemadebuttheTrusthasdiscre,ontochargeapplicantsafee inaccordance with the Fees Regula,ons (fees Regula,ons on the DCAwebsite www.dca.gov.uk/foi/secleg.htm)
Whatstepswillwetakeinconsideringwhethertocharge?
TheTrustwilltakethefollowingintoaccountwhencalcula,ngthees,matedcostofcomplyingwitharequestforinforma,on:
Theprescribedcosts:
TheTrustmay,forthepurposesofitses,mate,takeintoaccountonlythecostsitreasonablyexpectstoincurinrela,ontotherequestin–
a)determiningwhetheritholdstheinforma,on,
b)loca,ngtheinforma,on,oradocumentwhichmaycontaintheinforma,on,
c)retrievingtheinforma,on,oradocumentwhichmaycontaintheinforma,on,and
d)extrac,ngtheinforma,onfromadocumentcontainingit.
Thedisbursements
TheseareanycostsdirectlyandreasonablyincurredbytheTrustin:
a)informingtheapplicantwhetheritholdsinforma,onofthedescrip,onspecifiedintherequest
b)communica,ngtheinforma,ontotheapplicant
Forallrequests,theTrustwillhaveregardtothefollowingtwopoints:
a. Thedutytoprovideadviceandassistancetoapplicants. Ifplanningtoturndownarequestforcostreasons,orchargeahighfee,wewillcontacttheapplicant inadvancetodiscusswhethertheywouldpreferthescopeoftherequesttobemodifiedsothat,forexample,itwouldcostlessthantheappropriatelimit.
b. Themaximumamountthatcanbecharged.TheRegula,onssetoutthemaximumamountthatcanbecharged.HoweverthereisnothingtostoptheTrustchargingalesserornofee.Governingbodiesshoulddevelopaconsistentpolicyoncharging.
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Mayweaggregatethecostswheretherearemul3plerequests?
Wheretwoormorerequestsaremadebydifferentpeoplewhoappeartobeac,ngtogetheroraspartofacampaignthees,matedcostofcomplyingwithanyoftherequestsistobetakentobethees,matedtotalcostofcomplyingwiththemall,providedthat:
(a) the twoormore requests referred to in that sec,onare for informa,onwhich ison the samesubjectmaPerorisotherwiserelated;
(b)thelastoftherequestsisreceivedbytheschoolbeforethetwen,ethworkingdayfollowingthedateofreceiptofthefirstoftherequests;and
(c) it appears to the school that the requests have beenmade in an aPempt to ensure that theprescribedcostsofcomplyingseparatelywitheachrequestwouldnotexceedtheappropriatelimit.
IftheTrustgetsmul,plerequestsforthesameinforma,on,itwillbeincludedintheinforma,oninthepublica,onscheme.
Howdoweinformtheapplicantofthefee?
Wherethereisaninten,ontochargeafeeforcomplyingwitharequestforinforma,onthenwewillgivethepersonreques,ngtheinforma,onno,ceinwri,ng(the“feesno,ce”)sta,ngthatafeeoftheamountspecifiedintheno,ceistobechargedforcomplying.
Whereafeesno,cehasbeengiventothepersonmakingtherequest,theTrustdoesnotneedtocomplywiththerequestunlessthefeeispaidwithinthreemonthsoftheno,cebeingreceived.
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TedWraggMul,AcademyTrust
APPENDIX6
StandardLebers
1Respondingtoaninforma,onrequestwiththerequestedinforma,on.
{TrustAddress}
{ApplicantAddress}
{Date}
{FOIRef}
Dear{Name},
Thankyouforyourrequestforinforma,onreceivedon.
Yourrequestforinforma,onhasnowbeenconsideredandthefollowinginforma,onrequestedisenclosed:
1. XX
2. XX
Ifyouhaveanyqueriesorconcernsthenpleasecontactme.Pleaseremembertoquotethereferencenumberaboveinanyfuturecommunica,ons.
Ifyouareunhappywiththeserviceyouhavereceivedinrela,ontoyourrequestandwishtomakeacomplaintorrequestareviewofourdecision,youshouldwriteto:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,ExeterEX44JS,[email protected]
Ifyouarenotcontentwiththeoutcomeofyourcomplaintorreview,youmayapplydirectlytotheInforma,onCommissionerforadecision.Generally,theICOcannotmakeadecisionunlessyouhaveexhaustedthecomplaintsprocedureprovided.TheInforma,onCommissionercanbecontactedat:
Informa,onCommissioner'sOfficeWycliffeHouseWaterLaneWilmslowCheshireSK95AFTelephone:08456306060or01625545745www.ico.gov.uk
Yourssincerely,
{Name}
{Title}
2ToinformtheenquirertheTrustdoesnotholdtherequestedinforma,on.
{TrustAddress}
{ApplicantAddress}
{Date}
Dear{Name},
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TedWraggMul,AcademyTrust
Thankyouforyourrequestforinforma,onreceivedon.
Wehaveconductedathoroughsearchofourrecordsandunfortunatelyweareunabletolocatetheinforma,onyourequested.ThismaybebecausetheTrusthasneverheldthisinforma,onorthattheinforma,onisolderthanthestatutoryrequirementsforreten,onandhasbeenlegallydestroyedinaccordancewithourreten,onschedules.
Ifyouhaveanycommentsrela,ngtohowyourrequesthasbeenhandled,youshouldwriteto:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,ExeterEX44JS,[email protected]
Ifyouarenotcontentwiththeoutcomeofyourcomplaintorreview,youmayapplydirectlytotheInforma,onCommissionerforadecision.Generally,theICOcannotmakeadecisionunlessyouhaveexhaustedthecomplaintsprocedureprovided.TheInforma,onCommissionercanbecontactedat:
Informa,onCommissioner'sOfficeWycliffeHouseWaterLaneWilmslowCheshireSK95AFTelephone:08456306060or01625545745www.ico.gov.uk
Yourssincerely,
{Name}
{Title}
2Toinformtheenquirerwearetransferringtherequesttoanotherpublicbody
{TrustAddress}
{ApplicantAddress}
{Date}
Dear{Name},
Thankyouforyourrequestforinforma,on,receivedon.
Tothebestofourknowledgetherequestedinforma,onisnotheld.However,webelievethat{Nameand address of organisa,on} may hold the informa,on you require. We will therefore need totransfertherequesttothem.Ifyouhaveanobjec,ontothistransferyoushouldletusknowassoonaspossiblebywri,ngto {Address}or telephoning01andasking for {NameofOfficerdealingwiththerequest}.
Ifyouhaveanycommentsrela,ngtohowyourrequesthasbeenhandled,youshouldwriteto:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,ExeterEX44JS,[email protected]
Ifyouarenotcontentwiththeoutcomeofyourcomplaintorreview,youmayapplydirectlytotheInforma,onCommissionerforadecision.Generally,theICOcannotmakeadecisionunlessyouhaveexhaustedthecomplaintsprocedureprovided.TheInforma,onCommissionercanbecontactedat:
Informa,onCommissioner'sOfficeWycliffeHouseWaterLaneWilmslowCheshireSK95AFTelephone:08456306060or01625545745www.ico.gov.uk
Yourssincerely,
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TedWraggMul,AcademyTrust
{Name}
{Title}
3Toseekclarifica,onofarequest
{TrustAddress}
{ApplicantAddress}
{Date}
Dear{Name},
Thankyouforyourrequestforinforma,onreceivedon.
Fromtheinforma,ondescribed,wehavebeenunabletoiden,fytheinforma,onyourequire.Couldyou please give usmore informa,on rela,ng to: {Include specific informa,on you require, try toensurethattermsthatmaybeunfamiliartotherequestorareexplained}.
The Freedomof Informa,onAct 2000 requires thatwe dealwith requests such as thiswithin 20workingdays.Wearenotrequiredto includeany,mewhilstwai,ngforclarifica,onofarequest.Wewillendeavourtoproceedwithyourrequestassoonasyousupplytheinforma,onrequired.Ifwehavenotreceivedareplywithinthreemonthswewilltreatthisrequestascancelled.
Ifyouhaveanycommentsrela,ngtohowyourrequesthasbeenhandled,youshouldwriteto:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,ExeterEX44JS,[email protected]
Ifyouarenotcontentwiththeoutcomeofyourcomplaintorreview,youmayapplydirectlytotheInforma,onCommissionerforadecision.Generally,theICOcannotmakeadecisionunlessyouhaveexhaustedthecomplaintsprocedureprovided.TheInforma,onCommissionercanbecontactedat:
Informa,onCommissioner'sOfficeWycliffeHouseWaterLaneWilmslowCheshireSK95AFTelephone:08456306060or01625545745www.ico.gov.uk
Yourssincerely,
{Name}
{Title}
4Toinformtheenquirerthattheinforma,ontheywantisalreadypubliclyavailable
{TrustAddress}
{ApplicantAddress}
{Date}
Dear{Name},
Thankyouforyourrequestforinforma,on,receivedon.
Theinforma,onwhichyourequestedisalreadyavailabletothepublicviaourpublica,onscheme,whichisavailableonourwebsitewww.tedwraggtrust.co.uk
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TedWraggMul,AcademyTrust
Ifyouhaveanycommentsrela,ngtohowyourrequesthasbeenhandled,youshouldwriteto:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,ExeterEX44JS,[email protected]
Ifyouarenotcontentwiththeoutcomeofyourcomplaintorreview,youmayapplydirectlytotheInforma,onCommissionerforadecision.Generally,theICOcannotmakeadecisionunlessyouhaveexhaustedthecomplaintsprocedureprovided.TheInforma,onCommissionercanbecontactedat:
Informa,onCommissioner'sOfficeWycliffeHouseWaterLaneWilmslowCheshireSK95AFTelephone:08456306060or01625545745www.ico.gov.uk
Yourssincerely,
{Name}
{Title}
5Toinformanenquirerofanychargestobemadeforcomplyingwiththeirrequest
{TrustAddress}
{ApplicantAddress}
{Date}
Dear{Name},
Thankyouforyourrequestforinforma,onreceivedon…
Itises,matedthatthe,metofindthisinforma,onwillbehours.Thecostofthissearchwillexceedthestatutoryceilingof£450.00forfreesearching,meallowedundertheFreedomof Informa,onAct2000(TheFreedomofInforma,onandDataProtec,on(AppropriateLimitandFees)Regula,ons2004).
Toproceedwithyourrequestwewillrequireafeeof£{supplydetailsoflocaladdressandpaymentdetails}.Wewillcon,nuewiththesearchonreceiptofpayment,howeverifwehavenotreceivedareplywithinthreemonthswewillcanceltherequest.
Ifyouhaveanycommentsrela,ngtohowyourrequesthasbeenhandled,youshouldwriteto:
AdministratortotheBoardofTrustees,c/oExeterCollege,HeleRoad,ExeterEX44JS,[email protected]
Ifyouarenotcontentwiththeoutcomeofyourcomplaintorreview,youmayapplydirectlytotheInforma,onCommissionerforadecision.Generally,theICOcannotmakeadecisionunlessyouhaveexhaustedthecomplaintsprocedureprovided.TheInforma,onCommissionercanbecontactedat:
Informa,onCommissioner'sOfficeWycliffeHouseWaterLaneWilmslowCheshireSK95AFTelephone:08456306060or01625545745www.ico.gov.uk
Yourssincerely,
{Name}{Title}
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