The publication scheme is a guide to the information routinely published by the College, or which it intends to publish. The scheme provides a description of the classes or types of information published rather than a list of actual publications. This is because the list will change as new items are published.
Adopting a publication scheme is a requirement of Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities (ie government and other public sector organisations, including Universities and Further Education Colleges).
The St John Rigby College Scheme follows the Model Publication Scheme produced for Universities, Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form Colleges across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who we are
Saint John Rigby College is a Roman Catholic sixth form college established in 1972. The college is under the trusteeship of the Archbishop of Liverpool and situated on a single campus four miles west of Wigan. Fifty per cent of the college’s learners are drawn from seven Roman Catholic partner schools in Wigan, Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, with the remainder coming mainly from high schools in Wigan and West Lancashire.
At the time of writing there were 1300 learners enrolled at the college, the majority of whom were aged 16-18 and on full-time level 3 programmes. A range of programmes is offered from pre-entry to degree level and a variety of courses in 10 subject sector areas. Some 57% of learners are female and 51% are Catholic. The percentage of learners from minority ethnic backgrounds is similar to that in the local area, at around 1%.
The mission of the college:
We are a Catholic college dedicated to the education and development of the whole person, so that all students can realise their potential. To achieve this as a community we will:
- welcome all students who are happy to be educated within a Christian environment
- value the uniqueness and dignity of each individual
- provide the highest standards of teaching and learning
- all show commitment to our work and the Christian values of the college
- provide equality of opportunity, with mutual respect and positive encouragement
- build and develop a partnership with parents, schools, parishes, other colleges, higher education and the local community
How do I obtain information covered by the Publication Scheme?
St John Rigby College will make available items which belong to classes in the Publication Scheme. Any exceptions are noted in the descriptions of the different classes of information. These will generally be for reasons related to the Data Protection Act or commercial sensitivity.
Where possible we intend progressively to publish all documents covered by the scheme in electronic format via the College´s website although at present most documents are available in hard copy only.
To request information please read the sections: "Requests for information about yourself" and "Other requests for information" below.
How much do printed publications cost?
Printed information on courses and services offered by the College is available free of charge, as are packs issued to people responding to notices of job vacancies. If requested, we will produce publications in other formats; in these cases we will usually make a charge, amounting to the cost of producing the item in the format requested and sending it, with a minimum charge of £5. In certain circumstances the College may waive the charge.
If you are not able to obtain what you require, or if you have any questions, comments or complaints about this Scheme, please contact:
The Freedom of Information Officer
St John Rigby College
Gathurst Road
Orrell
Wigan
WN5 0LJ
Tel: 01942 214797 Fax: 01942 216514 e-mail: enquiries@sjr.ac.uk
What about information not covered by the publication scheme?
From 1 January 2005, you will have the right, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to request any information (subject to certain exemptions) held by a public authority, including a college such as St John Rigby, which they have not already made available through their publication scheme. Requests will have to be made in writing and in general public authorities will have 20 working days to respond. They may charge a fee, which will have to be calculated according to the Fees Regulations. They will not be required to release information to which an exemption in the Act legitimately applies.
Feedback
It is important that this scheme meets your needs. If you find the scheme difficult to understand, please let us know. We also welcome any 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:
The Freedom of Information Officer
St John Rigby College
Gathurst Road
Orrell
Wigan
WN5 0LJ
If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you can complain to the Information Commissioner, the independent body which oversees the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Further information about the Act and the work of the Information Commissioner is available from contact details above.
Requests for information about yourself
Under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 you are allowed to ask the college for any information held about you as an individual. If you wish to make an enquiry about data that relates to you, please make a request in writing to the Director of Information who will provide you with a Data Request Form.
Other requests for information
Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you are allowed to ask the college to provide you with any information held by the college. St John Rigby Sixth Form College has adapted the model publication scheme developed for the Higher and Further Education sector. The scheme sets out the classes or categories of information published and these are set out below. The college makes public much of the information it holds on the website. If you wish to make an enquiry about information which you cannot find on the website, please make a request in writing to the Director of Information who will provide you with a Data Request Form.
Classes and categories of information
The scheme defines eight classes of information. In brief these are:1. Governance
This section covers information relating to the way the College is governed and how decisions are made. It includes information on the legal status of the College, which individual members of staff or group within the organisation is responsible for specific functions and where they fit in the overall structure of the College. 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 College or that may threaten the health and safety of specific individuals.
2. Financial Resources
This section covers information on the College’s strategy and management of financial resources. The Finance Department provides accounting, procurement and contracting services, helping to make best use of resources and fulfilling statutory responsibilities. Information that may damage the College’s commercial interests will be excluded from publication.
3. Human Resources
This section covers information on the College'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 current terms and conditions of service).
4. Physical Resources
Classes in this section cover information at a strategic level relating to the College's management of its physical resources. Information that provides specific details of the College's future plans to alter its estate may be exempt from disclosure where such disclosure would damage the College's commercial interests.
5. Student Administration & Support
This section contains information on how the College manages the administration and progression of students from admission to course completion, including student support services and the tutorial system. Information available within this section does not include specific student personal details which is exempt by virtue of being personal information.
6. Information Services
This section covers those departments within the College that provide access to information for students and staff. These include the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Network Services and the College MIS & Examination functions.
These services routinely explain their facilities (and the conditions of their use) to students, staff and it is information of this nature that is included within this section. These departments inevitably hold large quantities of personal data that are exempt from general disclosure.
7. Teaching & Learning
This section contains information regarding the management of teaching and learning within the College including mechanisms for reviewing and ensuring the quality of teaching provided.
8. External Resources
This section covers information relating to the College’s relationship with its external environment. This includes the formal reports the College is required to provide to the Learning & Skills Council, arrangements with other institutions and how the College manages its relationship with the local community.