Under the Act, all public authorities are under a duty to specify what information they publish, or intend to publish, in terms of information 'classes'. The classes of information applicable to the S4C scheme are set out in Part 4.
The purpose of publication schemes is to ensure that as much information as possible is made available without the need for a specific request for information. It is also intended that schemes will encourage organisations to be proactive in terms of information that they publish, and to develop a culture of openness generally.
The aim of the S4C publication scheme is to provide a comprehensive guide to the information S4C makes available to the public and, wherever possible, to provide an easy method of accessing this information. The scheme is intended to make more information available about S4C's activities generally and promote a greater understanding of its distinctive role.
This scheme is a description of the information that S4C makes publicly available. In accordance with the Act, this scheme specifies:
The classes of information and the manner in which they are published are set out in Section 4. The S4C scheme refers to items published in a number of different formats, including electronic documents, written reports and other media.
As well as excluding information which relates to "journalism, art and literature", the Act also contains a number of exemptions from the generic duty of public authorities to communicate information. It is therefore possible that certain information will be excluded from the S4C scheme because it falls within the ambit of one or more of the exemptions.
In some instances, information included within a particular class may also include information which falls outside the ambit of the Act. For example, the S4C Annual Report includes information which relates to the running of S4C together with information about S4C's programming and interactive output. Where information of this kind is included in the scheme, it does not automatically mean that it is within the ambit of the Act.
The individual right of access to information comes into effect on 1 January 2005. Those wishing to exercise their right under the Act from this date onwards should:-
S4C will respond to statutory requests for information within 20 working days from the date of receipt. This time limit may need to be extended in certain circumstances, however, e.g. in the event that significant amounts of information are requested.
Information published under this scheme can either be downloaded from the S4C website (where documents are available electronically) or requested via e-mail, or by telephoning the S4C Viewer's Hotline.
Tel: 0870 600 4141
Fax: 01766 543 078
e-mail: hotline@s4c.co.uk
This scheme will be made available on the S4C website and also by means of a hard copy for those who do not have access to the Internet. The scheme is published in Welsh, English, and large print versions. A hard copy of this Scheme is available by contacting the S4C Viewer's Hotline.
No charge will be made for those requesting single copies of this scheme, in whatever format.
There will be no charge for downloading information contained in this scheme directly from the S4C website, unless otherwise indicated. (It is possible that users may be charged by others for Internet access, or for printing the information).
For those without Internet access, single copy print outs of the relevant information are available by contacting the S4C Viewers' Hotline. However, requests for multiple printouts, for documents to be faxed, or for archived copies of documents which are no longer available on the S4C website, may attract a charge in respect of the cost of retrieval, photocopying, faxing or postage. Details of the precise charge will be provided at the time of the request and the charge will be payable in advance.
This scheme, together with all information and materials made available under this scheme, is subject to S4C's copyright unless otherwise indicated. Such materials may be downloaded or reproduced for personal use without formal permission or charge, but they should not be reproduced, copied or republished for sale or other commercial purposes, or modified or transmitted by any means.
S4C will review the scheme at regular intervals (particularly in the light of statutory requests for information) in order to monitor how effectively it is operating. In adopting and reviewing its scheme, S4C is mindful of its obligation to have regard to the public interest in allowing public access to information which it holds. In the event that S4C wishes to add a class of information to the scheme, it will submit its plans to the Information Commissioner for consideration. The S4C scheme has been approved by the Information Commissioner for the period up to and including 29 February 2008.
The S4C Freedom of Information Officer is responsible for the scheme on behalf of S4C and for maintaining the scheme on a day-to-day basis.
S4C wants this publication scheme to meet users' needs. S4C also welcomes suggestions for additional information that might be included in future together with comments on how the published information might be made more accessible.
Any feedback or comments about this publication scheme should be in writing and addressed to:
The Freedom of Information Officer
S4C
Parc Ty Glas
Llanishen
Cardiff
CF14 5DU
E-mail: phil.williams@s4c.co.uk
If users are dissatisfied with their ability to access information contained within the S4C scheme, they should contact:
The Secretary to the S4C Authority
S4C
Parc Ty Glas
Llanishen
Cardiff
CF14 5DU
E-mail: phil.williams@s4c.co.uk
If users are still dissatisfied, they may refer the matter to the Information Commissioner. The Information Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that public authorities comply with the Act. Further information is available by contacting:
The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545 740
Fax: 01625 524 510
E-mail: mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk
Internet: www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
