From 1 January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act provides members of the public with new rights of access to recorded information held by public authorities, including Universities. These rights are, however, subject to a range of exemptions that aim to preserve confidentiality or to serve the public interest and allow the South West College to withhold information.

The Act gives applicants two new rights: -

• to be told whether it holds information of the description specified in the request and, if that is the case,
• to have the information communicated to them, subject to specific exemptions.

The intention is to promote greater openness and accountability and serve the public interest with a move to increased transparency in how organisations operate and carry out their responsibilities.

All requests received and enquiries are to be referred to the South West College Freedom of Information Officer in the first instance. For further information you can email foi@swc.ac.uk or download the publication scheme document below.