Freedom of Information Publication Scheme

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.

What is a publications scheme?

• A publications scheme describes the information a public authority publishes, or intends to publish. In this context, ‘publish’ means to make information available, routinely. The scheme is not a list of the actual publications, because this will change as new material is published or existing material is revised.
• The scheme divides the information into a number of categories. The Scheme also specifies the format or manner in which the information is available and, although most information is available on-line, some documents may need to be requested.

Birkbeck publications scheme

Birkbeck has adopted the 'model' publication scheme developed for the higher education sector and is therefore committed to publishing the information it describes. Birkbeck's guide to information is structured according to the seven sections of the Model Publication Scheme:

• Who we are and what we do
• What we spend and how we spend it
• What our priorities are and how we are doing
• How we make decisions
• Our policies and procedures
• Lists and registers
• The services we offer
• Download a copy of the Birkbeck Public Interest Disclosure (Whistle Blowing) policy

As further information becomes available, it will be included in the publication scheme.