College Publication Scheme

Introduction

Publication Schemes are a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Act promotes greater openness, transparency and accountability across the public sector by requiring all 'public authorities' to make information available proactively, through such schemes. For the purposes of the Act 'public authorities' include universities, higher, further and sixth form colleges.

What is a Publication Scheme?

Neath Port Talbot College has adopted the ‘model’ Publication Scheme developed for the HE/FE sectors and is committed to providing access to the information it outlines. The purpose of the model is to avoid duplication of effort in producing individual schemes and to assist members of the public to access information from across the sector as a whole.

Neath Port Talbot College

Neath Port Talbot College prides itself on offering ‘more than just an education’. Its mission is to ensure that ‘Quality learning means achievement for all’. The College is a tertiary institution created in 1999 by the merger of former Neath and Afan Colleges. It is the second largest further education college in Wales with over 14,000 students. It operates from eight main sites:

Neath Campus
Afan Campus
Pontardawe Campus
Queen St Centre, Neath
Llandarcy Academy of Sport
trainingwales Management Centre
Llansamlet Building Crafts Centre
Caerau Building Craft Centre.

In addition, it also delivers courses at over 70 outreach centres.

The College provides a broad mix of academic, vocational and bespoke courses at both further and higher education levels to the communities of Neath Port Talbot and beyond. Its students span the age range 16 to 80 years. It has a proven track record in academic, sporting and cultural successes which place it among the best colleges in Wales. The quality of education and training is the cornerstone of its success.

Access to Information

The categories of information available are as outlined in the Publication Scheme.

Some of the information is directly available by downloading or printing from the College website. If it is not accessible via that route please address applications for information to:

Kathryn Holley
Data Protection & Freedom of Information Officer
Neath Port Talbot College
Neath Campus
Dwr-y-Felin Road
Neath
SA10 7RF

Tel No: 01639 648034
Fax No: 01639 648019

E-mail: FOI@nptc.ac.uk

When applying please state clearly the information you require under the Freedom of Information Act. The majority of information is available free of charge. The Scheme identifies which items will incur a charge. Generally this occurs when documents over 20 pages are printed off or copied. In such cases the College reserves the right to levy a reasonable charge for copying and administration costs.

Exemptions

From 1 January 2005, enquiries have the right under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request any information held by a public authority which have not already been made available via their Publication Scheme. Requests for such information should be made in writing and generally public authorities will have up to 20 days in which to respond. A fee may be charged. The College is not required to respond to requests for the release of information to which an exemption in the Act legitimately applies.

Copyright

Reproducing material supplied under its Publication Scheme without the express permission of Neath Port Talbot College may constitute an infringement of its copyright. Requests for permission should be addressed to the Data Protection & Freedom of Information Officer.

Monitoring

It is important that the Publication Scheme meets the needs of those who use it. Any constructive suggestions as to increasing the scope of the Scheme and how the publications themselves might be improved would be welcomed. If you have any questions or comments please contact us on:

Neath Port Talbot College
Neath Campus
Dwr-y-Felin Road
Neath
SA10 7RF

Tel No: 01639 648000
Fax No: 01639 648009

E-mail: enquiries@nptc.ac.uk

Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding the Publication Scheme, please write in the first instance giving full details to the Principal. If the College cannot resolve your complaint you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner, the independent body with oversight of the Freedom of Information Act whose address is: