Salix Homes Publication Scheme
Salix Homes guidance on publication schemes, classes of information and guidance to information
In implementing the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Salix Homes promotes a spirit of trust with the public and other organisations. We achieve this by promoting transparency in the way we make our decisions and by providing clear information about our policies and processes through our publication scheme. We deal with individual requests for information courteously and promptly and provide advice and assistance if necessary.
What is freedom of information?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. It lists exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities.
What is a publication scheme?
A Publication Scheme is a guide to the classes of information that Salix Homes publishes or intends to publish routinely. The term “published” is broad and is not limited to information produced in paper forms. As far as the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is concerned, information made publicly available has been published. Therefore, information on the Salix Homes website is as much part of the Publication Scheme as printed documents.
What are classes of information?
A requirement of the Act is to specify “classes” of information that Salix Homes will publish within its Publication Scheme.
The Information Commissioner has issued a ‘Model Publication Scheme’ and from 1ST January 2009 Salix Homes has adopted the ‘Model Scheme’.
The Model Scheme contains 7 classes of information and these are as follows: -
- 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
Examples of the type of information available are given under the Guide to Information link on the left hand menu.
By adopting the Information Commissioner’s ‘Model Scheme’ Salix Homes is committed to the following: -
- To proactively publish information (including environmental information which is held by it and contained within each class).
- To provide a means by which Salix Homes ensure the public are aware of the sorts of the information it has committed to make readily available, and Who to contact for information.
- To review and update the information on a regular basis and in accordance with The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Publication Scheme Review Guidance.
