Untitled document
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 - An Introduction
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is designed to establish a new culture of openness and transparency in public administration. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. A ‘public authority’ is defined in the Act, and includes but is not restricted to, central and local government, nondepartmental public bodies, the police, the health service and schools, colleges and universities.
From 29 February 2004 every public authority (including Worthing College) must publish a scheme listing all the classes of information it makes available to the public.
From January 2005, any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must normally be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, be supplied with that information (a fee may be charged). The legislation also establishes the Office of Information Commissioner with responsibility for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Act.
Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow public access to all types of information held.
January 2009
FoI Publication Scheme 2009
Worthing College Publication Scheme
Worthing College is currently developing its detailed 'Guide to Information Available' and this will be available from mid-April 2010. In the meantime, any requests for information should be directed to Ann Monaghan, by using this link to our contact form or by post to Worthing College.