Access to information: publication scheme

Defra's aim is sustainable development, which means a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come, including:

• a better environment at home and internationally, and sustainable use of natural resources;
• economic prosperity through sustainable farming, fishing, food, water and other industries that meet consumers' requirements;
• thriving economies and communities in rural areas and a countryside for all to enjoy.

Defra values openness and we strive to maintain it as one of our core values. We aim to work openly, honestly and with integrity, and to share information with each other and our stakeholders. We are committed to greater openness and to proactively disseminating information as part of our goal of encouraging an informed debate on the areas of public policy for which we are responsible. This is reflected in Defra's Accessibility Commitment

To meet our goal of increased openness and transparency, and to comply with the requirements set out in the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000, we have designed this publication scheme to facilitate access to an extensive range of information collected, held and used by the Department.

The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 create a right of access to all environmental information, subject to certain limited exceptions. In addition, the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. It creates a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. Defra is a public authority under both regimes and is therefore bound by their provisions. The general right of access was introduced in January 2005.

Defra, along with every other public authority from November 2002, has a legal duty under Section 19 of the FOI Act to:

• adopt and maintain a scheme which relates to the publication of information by the authority and to have that scheme approved by the Information Commissioner;
• publish information in accordance with that scheme; and
• review the scheme from time to time.

Our publication scheme specifies:

• the classes of information which the public authority publishes (or intends to publish);
• the manner in which information in each class is, (or is intended to be), published and;
• whether the material is (or is intended to be) available free of charge or on payment of a fee.

We shall publish information in accordance with the scheme and shall monitor and review its operation. Please note:

• We intend that this will be a living document, which will be modified and developed in the light of public comment and feedback.
• Sometimes, we may still have to withhold information if we consider that it is necessary for reasons such as confidentiality, unwarranted invasion of privacy, commercial sensitivity, national security or for some other legitimate reason. When considering whether or not we have to withhold information, we will take into account the grounds listed in the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations. We will also consider whether the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it, In any event, if we do have to withhold information, we will explain why we have done so.
• Our scheme is not retrospective, and we do not undertake to publish information held by Defra which was generated before 30 November 2002, the date the scheme came into force.
• Information retention periods can vary from class to class. If you have an enquiry about a specific information source, please contact:

Defra
Information Resource Centre
Lower Ground Floor
Ergon House
c/o Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

Telephone: 020 7238 6575
Email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk

We have grouped our classes of information under the following broad categories:

• Role, function and management of the Department
• Development and implementation of Defra policy and strategy
• Key policies and strategies
• Programmes and action plans
• Legislation relevant to Defra's functions
• Guides, guidance notes
• Codes of practice
• Regulatory information
• Forms
• Science, technology and innovation
• Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Open Government
• Staff recruitment, development and conditions of service
• Finance & procurement
• News releases
• Annual reports
• Newsletters, journals
• Statistical information and economic analysis
• Geographic information
• Maps

Information included in the scheme will generally be made available on the Defra website and the websites of Defra's Executive Agencies. Where publication is available in hard copy form or from a network of contacts within the organisation, users will be clearly guided to the source of the information.

In Defra, the Management Board member who is accessibility champion with overall responsibility for the Department's publication scheme is Donald Macrae, Solicitor and Director General Legal Services.

This Publication Scheme is intended to help you find Defra information easily and quickly and to improve the flow of information into the public domain. We are committed to monitoring, reviewing and updating the scheme, and would welcome any comments or suggestions you may have about improving the Scheme. If you have any comments, write to or email:

Kevin Jackson
Defra
Information Resource Centre
Lower Ground Floor
Ergon House
c/o Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
Email: kevin.jackson@defra.gsi.gov.uk