Introduction to the Publication Scheme

Adopting a publication scheme is a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This Act promotes greater openness and accountability across the public sector by requiring all 'public authorities' to make information available proactively, through a publication scheme.

'Public authorities' are defined in the Act and include universities, further education colleges and sixth form colleges and their wholly owned companies.

What is a publication scheme?

A publication scheme is a document which describes the information a public authority publishes or intends to publish. In this context 'publish' means to make information available routinely. These descriptions are called 'classes of information'.

The scheme is not a list of the actual publications, because this will change as new material is published or existing material revised. It is, however, our commitment to make available the information described.

A publication scheme must set out the classes, or categories, of information published. It must also make clear how the information described can be accessed and whether or not charges will be made.

The 'model' publication scheme for higher education

The University of Bedfordshire has adopted the model publication scheme developed for the higher education sector and updated for 1 January 2009.  We are therefore committed to publishing the information the model scheme describes. This model is designed for universities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The purpose of the model is to save institutions duplicating effort in producing individual schemes and to assist the public in accessing information from across the sector.

However, to reflect the diversity in size and function of different institutions, a number of optional classes may be included in different Schemes. As a result, models within the sector will vary slightly. Any optional classes relevant to us have been included in our scheme.

Who we are and what we do

The University of Bedfordshire is a Higher Education Corporation, established under the terms of the Education Reform Act, 1988. The University provides undergraduate and postgraduate taught and research programmes leading to its degrees.

Access to our programmes is also provided through partnerships with our partner further education colleges and overseas institutions. The University also provides programmes of pre- and post- registration nursing and midwifery training under contract from the NHS.

The University of Bedfordshire is determined to establish an excellent reputation for high quality and vocational distinctiveness and is committed to:

• providing innovative opportunities to participate in higher education for all those able to benefit
• giving a strong regional presence, consistent with the lifelong learning needs of individuals, groups and employers within a socially diverse community
• helping all our students and staff attain their full potential.

Accessing information covered by the publication scheme

The publication scheme relates to 'published' information.  The classes of information we publish are described in each section of the scheme  Wherever possible, information is accessible through links within each class.  If information is not available, we will provide paper copies of information, on request, wherever possible; although we may have to make a charge to do this.  For more details, please contact the Publication Scheme Co-ordinator

What about information not covered by the publication scheme?

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 you have a right to request any information held by a public authority which it has not already made available through its publication scheme. Requests will have to be made in writing and, in general, public authorities will have 20 working days to respond.  We may charge a fee, which will be calculated according to our schedule of fees.

We are not required to release information to which an exemption in the Act legitimately applies.  In such cases, we would be required to explain why we are not releasing information and may consequently also have to justify this to the Information Commissioner.

Contact details

It is important that this publication scheme meets your needs. If you find the scheme difficult to understand, please let us know. We also welcome suggestions as to how our scheme might be improved.  Please send any suggestions or order copies of documents through the Publication Scheme co-ordinator