Guide to information and publication scheme

Our publication scheme and guide to information

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has adopted the Model Publication Scheme in its entirety.

In adopting the scheme, we have produced a 'Guide to Information' which:

• Allows you to see what information is available (and what is not available) in relation to each class
• States what charges may be applied
• Explains how to find the information easily
• Provides contact details for enquiries and to get help with accessing the information
• Explains how to request information that has not been published.

Availability and format

The information we publish through this scheme is, wherever possible, available on our website. We offer alternative arrangements for people who do not want to, or cannot, access the information online or by inspection at our premises. For example, we can usually arrange to send information to you in paper copy, although there may be a charge for this.

Exempt information

We will publish the information we hold that falls within the classes of information in the guide. If a document contains information that is exempt under Scotland's Freedom of Information laws (for example sensitive personal information or a trade secret), we will remove or 'black out' the information before publication and explain why.

Copyright

Where the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service holds the copyright in its published information, the information may be copied or reproduced without formal permission, provided that:

• It is copied or reproduced accurately
• It is not used in a misleading context
• The source of the material is identified

Where the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service does not hold the copyright in information we publish, we will make this clear.

Charges for information

There is no charge for downloading information from our website. If we send published information to you, we may ask you to pay the costs of providing it to you e.g., photocopying and postage.

This section explains when we may make a charge for our publications and how any charge will be calculated. There is no charge to view information on our website or at our premises.

We may charge for providing information to you, but we will charge you no more than it actually costs us to do so. We will always tell you what the cost is before providing the information to you.

• Photocopying per double-sided sheet at 10p per black and white A4 sheet and 20p per colour A4 sheet.
• Electronic format: e.g. CD Roms at 50p per disc, memory stick ranging from £4.99 to £19.99 depending on the amount of information (we estimate £10 would be adequate for most requests).
• Postage costs are recharged at the rate we pay to send the information to you by Royal Mail First Class.
• Photographs provided in hard copy are charged at £5.00 per image

How to request information which is not in our publication scheme

If the information you want is not in our publication scheme, you have the right to request it from us. The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives you a right of access to the information we hold (whether we publish it or not), subject to certain exemptions. Further details on Freedom of Information is available here (insert link to FOI page)

Requests for information can be sent to us by:

We will also advise you how to ask for information that we do not publish or how to complain if you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the publication scheme.

If you wish to make a request for information not contained in the publication scheme, contact us using the details above.

Re-using our information

Public sector information is a valuable resource that can be useful to the private sector and to citizens. The purpose of the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations is to establish a framework for the effective re-use of public sector information.

Further information