1 NORWICH SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN Principal: Susan Tuckett MA FRSA
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: PUBLICATION SCHEME Version 1.1 June 2004
Agreed by Academic Board 8 June 2004 Contents
Part One: Introduction Page No.
1. Legal requirement 2
2. What is a publication scheme? 2
3. The ‘model’ publication scheme for higher education 2
4. Norwich School of Art and Design 2
5. Accessing information covered by the publication scheme 3
6. Exempt information 3
7. What about information not covered by the publication scheme? 3
8. Feedback 4
9. Further information 4
Part Two: Publication Scheme Classes of Information
1. Governance 5
2. Financial Resources 6
3. Human Resources 6
4. Physical Resources 7
5. Student Administration and Support 8
6. Information Services 9
7. Teaching and Learning 10
8. Research and Development 12
9. External Relations 12
2 PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
1. Legal requirement
1.1 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.
1.2 ‘Public authorities’ are defined in the Act and include universities, further education colleges and sixth form colleges.
2. What is a publication scheme?
2.1 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, the public authority’s commitment to make available the information described.
2.2 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.
3. The ‘model’ publication scheme for higher education
3.1 Norwich School of Art and Design has adopted the model publication scheme developed for the Higher Education sector and is therefore committed to publishing the information it describes.
3.2 This model is designed for HE institutions 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 institutions, a number of optional classes of information are included. As a result, models within the sector will vary slightly. Any optional classes relevant to us have been included in our scheme.
3.3 To assist with the development of the model, a number of institutions across the sector volunteered as pilots. Information about the pilot exercise is available from the JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) website at:
www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=mps_overview
4. Norwich School of Art and Design
4.1 Norwich School of Art and Design is an independent Higher Education institution within the University sector, and has full control over the construction and funding of its courses. There has been a School of Art and Design in Norwich since 1845.
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With around 1,000 students, the School has a reputation for excellence, and attracts students regionally, nationally and internationally. In the 2003 Quality Assurance Agency's national subject review of art and design, we achieved the highest award of ‘broad confidence'.
4.2 The school is housed in a cluster of buildings close to the river Wensum in the centre of Norwich. The accommodation comprises three medieval, two Victorian and two Edwardian buildings which form the urban campus.
4.3 NSAD’s Mission is:
To be a centre of excellence in the region which provides opportunities for
innovation in teaching and learning and through research develops knowledge and understanding of art, design and visual culture.
5. Accessing information covered by the publication scheme
5.1 The classes of information we publish are described in the second part of the scheme. These classes are organised in nine main groups, and are taken from the model publication scheme for HEIs that Norwich School of Art and Design has adopted. They are in a logical order and no one single section has a higher status than another.
5.2 We aim to make all published information available through our website at
www.nsad.ac.uk. Our database of published documents will be regularly updated as new documents or versions of documents are available.
5.3 Please note that a publication scheme relates to ‘published’ information. Therefore, material covered already been prepared in a format ready for distribution, and material intended for future publication is not included.
5.4 Documents published through our website are provided at no cost to users. Where alternative forms of documents are requested, we reserve the right to charge a fee to cover administrative and production costs.
5.5 Copyright for all NSAD documents resides with the School, unless otherwise notified.
6. Exempt Information
6.1 Some information is exempt from disclosure by the Act so does not have to be provided. The 23 such exemptions relate to information held for a variety of purposes. Please note that personal information relating to individual members of staff and students will not be disclosed where this could breach the Data Protection Act. In addition, NSAD may claim exemption to disclose where disclosure may damage the commercial interests of the institution.
6.2 Where information is not disclosed because of exemption criteria, NSAD will make clear the reason for not disclosing that information.
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7. What about information not covered by the publication scheme?
7.1 From 1 January 2005 you will have the right, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to request any information held by a public authority which it has not already made available through its publication scheme.
7.2 Requests will have to be made in writing and, in general, public authorities will have 20 working days to respond. A fee may be charged, which will be calculated
according to Fees Regulations. Public authorities will not be required to release information to which an exemption in the Act legitimately applies. However, they may be required to explain to the applicant why they are not releasing information and they may also have to justify this to the Information Commissioner.
8. Feedback
8.1 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. Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should be sent in writing to the Publication Scheme Co-ordinator below.
Director of Information and Resources Norwich School of Art and Design Francis House
3-7 Redwell Street Norwich NR2 4SN
email: [email protected]
8.2 If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you can complain to the Information Commissioner, the independent body who oversees the Freedom of Information Act:
Information Commissioner Wycliffe House
Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF
9. Further information
More information about the Freedom of Information Act is available on the Information Commissioner’s website at:
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
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PART TWO: PUBLICATION SCHEME CLASSES OF INFORMATION
Each ‘group’ contains a brief introduction, and consists of a number of ‘classes’ of information. Current NSAD documents available are listed below each class, along with links to other online material.
1. Governance Introduction
This section covers information relating to the way Norwich School of Art and Design is governed and how decisions are made. It includes information on the legal status of the institution, which individual member of staff or group within the organisation is responsible for specific functions and where they fit in the overall structure of the organisation. In some instances information from committee minutes will be exempt from disclosure where it contains personal information, information that may damage the commercial interests of the institution or that may threaten the health and safety of specific individuals.
1.1 Legal framework
description: information relating to how NSAD was established and its standing from the point of view of the law.
Further and Higher Education Act 1992 online:
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1992/Ukpga_19920037_en_1.htm
1.2 Governance structure
description: information relating to how NSAD’s management structure is organised and the function and purpose of each part of the management structure.
School Committee structure Corporation minutes
Academic Board minutes
1.3 How NSAD is organised
description: information relating to how the individual units of NSAD are organised and where each unit fits in the overall structure of the institution.
Staff Handbook
School Regulations and Procedures Organisational structure chart
1.4 Information on the institutional context
description: information on NSAD’s strategic aims Corporate Plan
Teaching and Learning Strategy
6 1.5 Management structure
description: information on NSAD’s management structure Staff Handbook
School Regulations and Procedures Committee Structure
2. Financial Resources
Introduction
This section covers information on Norwich School of Art and Design’s strategy and management of financial resources. Information that may damage the School’s commercial interests will be excluded from publication.
2.1 Finance
description: information about NSAD’s financial policies and procedures a. General Information
b. Preparation of Budgets c. Budgetary Control d. Accounting Procedures e. Staffing & Related Costs f. Non-payroll Expenditure g. Income
h. Banking & Cash i. Assets
j. Insurances
k. Internal & External Audit l. Taxation
School Fees Regulations Fraud Response Plan Final Financial Statement Whistleblowing Policy Whistleblowing Form 2.2 Resource planning
description: information about how NSAD manages and monitors its income and expenditure
Annual Accounts Annual Report
7 3. Human Resources
Introduction
This section covers information on Norwich School of Art and Design’s strategy and management of human resources, rather than information relating to individual members of staff which is exempt from disclosure as personal information. The information available covers personnel policies and procedures (including terms and conditions of service including all current versions of the information specified in each class).
3.1 Employment and employee relationships
description: information about NSAD’s policies and procedures relating to employment and employee relations.
Human Resources Strategy Equality and Diversity Policy Staff Handbook
Health and Safety Policy
3.2 Equal opportunities
description: information about NSAD’s policies and procedures relating to equal opportunities
Equality and Diversity Policy – see 3.1 above Race Equality Policy
3.3 Human Resources Strategy
description: information about NSAD’s Human Resources Strategy Human Resources Strategy see 3.1 above
3.4 Staff development
description: information on NSAD’s staff development and training, including induction programmes, probation and appraisal.
Staff Handbook – see 3.1 above
Human Resources Strategy – see 3.1 above 4. Physical Resources
Introduction
The Class in this section covers information at a strategic level relating to Norwich School of Art and Design’s management of its physical resources. Information that provides specific details of the institution’s future plans to alter its estate (eg
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proposals to purchase additional property) may be exempt from disclosure where such disclosure would damage the institution’s commercial interests.
4.1 Estates
description: information relating to NSAD’s location and management of its estates and facilities
city of Norwich location online:
www.nsad.ac.uk/norwich/index.php NSAD site location online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/contactus/map.php Estates Strategy
5. Student Administration and Support
Introduction
This section contains information on how Norwich School of Art and Design
manages the administration and progression of students from admission to course completion, including student support services. Information available within this section does not include specific student personal details, by virtue of being personal information.
5.1 Information on student admission, progression and completion description: student statistical information
Higher Education Statistics Agency online:
www.hesa.ac.uk
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service online:
www.ucas.com/figures/ucasdata/index.html
5.2 Student accommodation
description: information on NSAD’s accommodation services NSAD accommodation online:
www.nsad.ac.uk/norwich/accommodation.php
5.3 Student administration
description: information relating to the management of student records Student Admin and Support document
5.4 Student admission and registration
description: information relating to the admission and registration of new students Student Admin and Support document
New student ‘welcome pack’
9 Undergrad and Postgrad Prospectus 5.5 Student discipline
description: information relating to the conduct of disciplinary proceedings against students
School Regulations and Procedures including General Regulations for the School
5.6 Student learning support services
description: information relating to student support services from an academic and learning perspective
Student Diary
Learning Support Centre online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/abouttheschool/learningsupportcentre.php
5.7 Student liaison
description: information relating to the structure and functioning of staff/student consultative committees or other liaison groups
Course Handbooks (currently being re-written)
5.8 Student policies
description: information on guidance to all student policies issued by the institution Student diary
5.9 Student welfare
description: information relating to advice on welfare, careers and chaplaincy services
Student Diary
Student Admin and Support online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/abouttheschool/studentadmin.php Careers Service online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/abouttheschool/careers.php Student support online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/abouttheschool/studentsupport.php
5.10 Student associations and activities
description: information relating to the operation and activities of the Student Union and other clubs, associations and non-academic activities.
Student Diary
10 6. Information Services
Introduction
This section covers those functions within Norwich School of Art and Design that provide access to information for the student body and both academic and administrative staff. (These include libraries, computing services and information support services.)
Such functions may be managed separately from each other, or in various
combinations. These services routinely explain their facilities (and the conditions of their use) to students, staff and the general public and it is information of this nature that is included within this section.
Information services inevitably hold large quantities of personal data that are exempt from general disclosure.
6.1 Availability and conditions of use of facilities
description: information on who can access NSAD systems and services and the facilities that they can access
Student Diary
Acceptable Use Policy
6.2 Mission statements and related documents
description: information relating to the aims of the department in context of its place within NSAD and a definition of the services provided
School Regulations and Procedures
6.3 Policies with regard to data and information
description: information on assurances to data subjects (individuals and companies) that data relating to them is minimising the risk of unauthorised access or disclosure Information Strategy
6.4 Procurement and disposal policies
description: information relating to assurances that NSAD monies are being appropriately spent and procurement is fair and open
Financial Regulations and Procedures
6.5 Scope of collections held
description: information relating to NSAD collections and catalogues available Library collection online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/abouttheschool/library.php Norwich Gallery collections online:
http://www.norwichgallery.co.uk/
11 7. Teaching and Learning
Introduction
This section contains information regarding the management of teaching and learning within Norwich School of Art and Design, including mechanisms for reviewing and ensuring the quality of teaching provided.
7.1 Academic year dates
description: information on dates for the current academic year and future academic years (as far as is known)
Student Diary School Calendar
7.2 External review information
description: information relating to NSAD’s internal quality audit programmes, annual review and procedures for assuring academic quality and standards Staff Handbook 3 : Quality M & E
Research Assessment Exercise 2001 (HERO website) online:
http://www.hero.ac.uk/rae/rae_dynamic.cfm?myURL=http://195.194.167.103/results/
byinst/H-0190.htm
7.3 Graduation information
description: information relating to dates and details of ceremonies for the current academic year and attendance and ticketing for all students
Graduation document
7.4 Honorary degrees
description: information relating to awards, policies, procedures and ceremonies APU website online:
http://www.enterprise.apu.ac.uk/grad/hon_special_awards.html
7.5 Information on NSAD’s internal procedures for assuring academic quality and standards
description: information relating to all levels in the institution including relevant parts of NSAD’s regulations
Staff Handbook 3 : Quality M & E School Regulations & Procedures Undergraduate Framework Postgraduate Framework Course Handbooks
7.6 Qualitative data on the quality and standards of learning and teaching
description: information relating to quality and standards of learning and teaching at each institution
External examiners reports
12 Annual course evaluations
Synoptic undergrad & postgrad reports School Annual Monitoring Report
7.7 Staffing structure of NSAD departments
description: information relating to staff roles within departments together with organisational charts
Regulations and Procedures 7.8 Student assessment strategy
description: information relating to the regulations and/or policy governing student assessment, appointment of Exam Boards and External Examiners, and relevant codes of practice
School Regulations and Procedures
7.9 Tuition fees
description: information relating to tuition fees for UK students, EU students and other international students including when fees will be payable and how to pay
8. Research and Development
Introduction
This section covers information relating to Norwich School of Art and Design’s management and funding of its research activities – it does not include the actual results or data from research undertaken.
8.1 Committees
description: information relating to the terms of reference and constitution of committees and policy statement
School Regulations and Procedures Research Strategy
Research Committee minutes
8.2 Funding
description: information relating to what research is funded, where from and on what terms
Research Strategy
HEFCE - Research Funding online:
http://hefce.ac.uk/research/funding/
8.3 Research policies
description: information relating to policies on fraud, ethical conduct and relevant codes of practice
13 APU Graduate School online:
http://www.apu.ac.uk/research/gradsch/gshome.shtml Research Student Handbook
9. External Relations Introduction
This section covers information relating to Norwich School of Art and Design’s relationship with its external environment. These include the formal reports the institution is required to provide to its funding bodies, arrangements with other institutions, and how it manages its relationship with the local community.
9.1 Alumni
description: information on how NSAD keeps former students and staff up to date with events within NSAD.
There is no current Alumni organisation at NSAD.
9.2 Community liaison
description: information relating to NSAD’s relationship with its local community Creative and Business partnerships online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/partnerships.php
9.3 Fundraising
description: information relating to the activities undertaken by NSAD to raise additional revenue to that provided by its main funding bodies
Short courses at NSAD online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/news/shortcourses.php Facilities for hire online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/partnerships.php
9.4 Government and regulator relations
description: information relating to NSAD being legally obliged to inform its funding and/or monitoring bodies of how well it is performing
Annual Monitoring Statement
9.5 Marketing and recruitment
description: information relating to student recruitment (UK and international) including the NSAD prospectus
14 9.6 Public relations
description: information created specifically by NSAD to help publicise its facilities and activities
News and Events online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/news/news.php NSAD Course information online:
http://www.nsad.ac.uk/courses/index.php NSAD newsletter
NSAD Student ‘welcome pack’
