Access to information
We are committed to the principles of openness and transparency in our work and seek to publish - in an accessible form - as much information about our functions, decisions and operations as is reasonably possible.
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives members of the public a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by Scottish public authorities. Two of the main features of the FOI Act are a general right to receive information that we hold, subject to certain exemptions; and, in cases where information is exempted from disclosure, there is a duty on the Council to inform the applicant whether we hold the information; and, except where an absolute exemption applies, communicate that information to the applicant unless the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
The Act requires every Scottish public authority to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme, and publish information in accordance with that scheme. Here is a copy of the Publication Scheme [PDF]
The Publication Scheme explains:
- What information is published by SFC
- The manner in which the information is published
- Whether the information is available free of charge and, if not, what charges apply
- How to request information that is not covered by the Scheme
The Publication Scheme lists information that we are committed to making available. Our aim is to make information available whenever we can legally do so, except where we consider release would cause significant harm. In such cases we will withhold information under an appropriate exemption in the FOI Act.
Guide to Information
The Publication scheme also contains a Guide to Information which enables you to see what information we hold and where it can be located. Most of the infornmation in the guide can be accessed directly by hyperlink. A link to the guide here: SFC Publication scheme: Guide to information [PDF]
If you cannot find the information you require or a document has an exemption then you must make a written request to:
The Freedom of Information Officer
Scottish Funding Council
Apex 2
97 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5HD
Telephone: 0131 313 6691
Email: info@sfc.ac.uk
The Freedom of Information Officer will reply within 20 working days. There may be an exemption from full disclosure of information in which case you will be offered the option to request a review of the decision.
Data protection
The Data Protection Act 1998 sets down rules for processing personal information and applies to all records held. The Data Protection Act works in two ways. It gives the individual certain rights and it also states that those who record and use personal information must follow the eight principles of 'good information handling'. More information about the Data Protection Act can be found on the UK Information Commissioner's website. The SFC Data Protection policy is available here: Data Protection policy [PDF]
The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you to find out what information about you is being held by the Scottish Funding Council, this is known as a 'subject access request'.
To make a 'subject access request' write directly to:
The Freedom of Information Officer
Scottish Funding Council
Apex 2
97 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5HD
Telephone: 0131 313 6691
Email: info@sfc.ac.uk
You will need to provide adequate proof of identity such as a copy of your passport, birth certificate or driving licence before your request will be processed. There may also be a fee of up to £10 depending on the volume of work required.
Please try to be as clear as possible about the information you are seeking (for example, if it is your personal data as an ex-employee then please provide the dates of your employment. To ensure speedier processing of your request you may wish to print and complete our [PDF]
Remember to send us a £10 cheque and proof of identity with the form.
Once we have received your subject access request, the agreed fee and proof of identity, you will receive a response from us within 40 days and you will be able to get copies of any information we hold on you. However, exemptions to disclosure may apply in some circumstances.
You can find more guidance on accessing your personal data from the UK Information Commissioner's website.
If you require any assistance completing your freedom of information request or subject access request or would like to discuss the information we hold with a member of staff, please contact our Freedom of Information Officer, Tel: 0131 313 6691.
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