Introduction: what a publication scheme is and why it has been developed
One of the aims of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is that public authorities should be clear and proactive about the information they will make public. To do this they must produce a publication scheme, setting out:
• The classes of information which they publish or intend to publish;
• The manner in which the information will be published; and
The Authority’s Publication Scheme consists of information already published and held by the Authority or information which is to be published in the future. That means that all information in our publication scheme is either available for you on our website to download and print off or available in traditional document form. Information within the publication scheme is available free of charge - however we may charge for disbursements such as postage or printing. Some information which we hold may not be made public, for example information about national security or court records and personal data.
Classes of information published by the Authority
The Publication Scheme guides you to information which we currently publish, this is split into ‘classes’ of information. The ‘classes’ of information currently published are contained in section 4 of this Scheme. Details of how the information is or will be published and any fees charged for information contained in the publication scheme are set out in the same section. The classes in the scheme are based on our departmental functions. Under each heading there is a list of the information which we publish which relates to that function. For example, information under the heading of ‘Human Resources or Learning and Development’ includes recruitment, training, disciplinary policies and so on.
Purpose of the Publication Scheme
The purpose of the Publication Scheme is to make sure that a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. The Authority intend to use our Publication Scheme to be proactive in the way we provide information and to develop a culture of greater openness.
The Scheme brings together the many different types of information available to the public in a structured way and provides details as to how it is obtained, thereby saving you time and effort.
What about Information not Listed in the Publication Scheme?
You have the right to request any information we hold, even it if is not available under the publication scheme. There may be charges for certain types of information.
We will try to make information available on request under our commitment to openness. If we do not provide the information you request, we will explain the reasons why (e.g. the provision of information would compromise national security, or infringe the Data Protection Act etc).
Complaints and Feedback
If you want to make any comments about this publication scheme, you require further assistance or need to make a complaint then initially this should be submitted via our main web contact form or in writing to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority Headquarters
Nissan Way
Washington
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR5 3QY
If you are not satisfied with the assistance that you get from the Authority or if we have not been able to resolve your complaint and you feel that a formal complaint needs to be made then this should be addressed to the office of the Information Commissioner. This is the organisation that ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and deals with formal complaints.
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