Freedom of information
Welcome to The Open University Worldwide's Freedom of Information web site. This contains the information in our publication scheme and details of the scheme itself.
Introduction
The Freedom of Information Act (2000) requires every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme. Its purpose is to ensure a significant amount of information is easily and routinely available.
The act also requires every public authority to comply with requests for the information that it holds unless an exemption from disclosure applies.
If you would like to find out more about the Freedom of Information Act, you can follow this link to visit the web site of the Information Commissioner's Office:
http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
Explore the site
If you would like to view the information that we publish, you can follow this link to see our list of classes. This has links to the information pages for each class.
Our Information
You can view the list at any time by using the 'Information' link shown in the heading at the top of every page.
The following links are also available from every page:
Contact Us - this shows you how to contact us by phone, e-mail or post. It also includes advice on making a request for information.
Site Map - this lists the main pages on this web site.
Copyright
Requesting information
The Freedom of Information Act gives the right to any individual (irrespective of age, nationality, location, etc.) to make a request for information that we hold. The request must be made in writing (including by fax or e-mail), it must give your name and address, and it must provide enough detail for us to identify the information required.
We are happy to help you with advice and assistance to make your request. We will either provide you with the information within 20 working days, or we will explain why the information is exempt from disclosure. We may make a charge to cover our costs for preparing and sending the information.
Exempt information
We try to be as open as possible in publishing information but there are instances where, for legitimate reasons, some information is withheld. The Freedom of Information Act describes a number of exemptions and the circumstances where these apply.
When we withhold information, we explain the reason that we believe the information is exempt from publication. For example, information will not be available if it is confidential or of a commercially sensitive nature, or where its release would be in conflict with the conditions under the Data Protection Act. If you disagree with our decision, you have the right to complain.
Charges
We use this web site to publish our information free of charge. If you prefer, we can print single pages of the web site information for you.
We may make a charge for multiple prints or for documents that are not available on the web site, to cover our costs for copying, postage and packing. We would require payment in advance in this case.
We will provide up to 24 pages of information from the web site free of charge. For larger quantities we charge 20 pence per page plus postage. Multiple requests from the same individual or organisation will be treated as a single request and the appropriate charge levied.
Information may also be made available in other languages, in large print, or on audio cassette upon request. Note that we may make a charge to cover our costs for preparing the information in these formats. We would require payment in advance in this case.
This page was last updated on 2nd January 2009
