Publication Scheme
Newcastle University has adopted the model publication scheme that has been prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner.
This publication scheme commits the University to make information available to the public as part of our normal business activities. The information covered is included in the classes of information mentioned below, where this information is held by the University. You can find more guidance on the definition of these classes in sector specific guidance manuals issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office on their website.
The University will:
- publish information, including environmental information, which is held by us within the classifications below
- specify the information which is held by us and falls within the classifications below
- publish information in line with the statements contained within this scheme
- produce and publish the methods by which the information is made available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public
- review and update on a regular basis the information we make available under this scheme
- produce a schedule of any fees charged for access to information which is made available
- make this publication scheme available to the public
- publish any dataset held by us that has been requested, and any updated versions we hold, unless we are satisfied that it is not appropriate to do so; publish the dataset, where reasonably practicable, in an electronic form that is capable of re-use; and, if any information in the dataset is a relevant copyright work and we are the only owner, make the information available for re-use under a specified licence. The term ‘dataset’ is defined in section 11(5) of the Freedom of Information Act. The terms ‘relevant copyright work’ and ‘specified licence’ are defined in section 19(8) of that Act
Classes of information
The classes of information will not generally include:
- information where disclosure is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise protected from disclosure
- information in draft form
- information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons
Freedom of Information disclosure log
Our Freedom of Information Disclosure Log contains a quarterly log of responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests made to Newcastle University.
This list covers responses sent from January 2024 onwards.
To request a full copy of a response, email us quoting the FOI or EIR number.
Responses are categorised by date, and we include the:
- reference number
- outcome
- summary
- date responded for each request
Responses are retained by the University for three years and all reference numbers are correct at the time of publication.
Freedom of Information Disclosure Log:
- January - March 2024 (.xlsx file)
Lists and Registers
Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the University.
The Robinson Library's special collections is a unique and diverse resource which supports our academic research and teaching.
There are more than 100 collections of material which range in scope from rare books and archives to woodblocks and illustrations. Our collections span in date from the mid 15th century to the 21st century, however the majority date from the 18th to 20th century.
If you have any local studies or family history enquiries, you should contact Newcastle City Libraries. They have the largest collection of local and family history.
Archives Alive is our free, online interactive education resource. It uses our unique primary resources to provide fun and relevant education activities suitable for all key stages.
Publication methods
Wherever possible, information is published on our website. Where it is not practical to make information available on our website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, we will indicate how information can be obtained by other means and provide it by those means.
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. In such cases, we will:
- provide contact details
- arrange an appointment to view the information within a reasonable timescale
We will provide information in the language in which it is held, or in another language where that is legally required. Where we are legally required to translate any information, we will do so.
When providing information under this scheme we will adhere:
- to any obligations under disability and discrimination legislation
- to any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats
Charges
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Material which is published on our website will be provided free of charge.
Charges we make for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
We may charge for costs such as:
- photocopying
- postage and packaging
- the costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information
We may make charges for information provided under this scheme where they are legally authorised, they are justified in all the circumstances, and are in accordance with a published schedule of fees which is readily available to the public.
We may also charge for making datasets (or parts of datasets) that are relevant copyright works available for re-use. These charges will be in accordance with either regulations made under section 11B of the Freedom of Information Act or other enactments.
If we do charge, the payment be needed before we provide the information.
Written requests
Information that we hold that is not published under the publication scheme can be requested in writing. These requests will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).