Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act received royal assent in November 2000. Like the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which it will replace once the Act is fully implemented in January 2005, it provides for public access to information produced by public authorities. Further information on the requirements of the law and its implementation can be found on the websites of the responsible government departments and public authorities: The Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Office of the Information Commissioner's website, and the National Archives. The legislation itself can be found on the website of The Stationery Office.Freedom of Information and the Examinations Appeals Board
It should be noted that the Examinations Appeals Board is not listed as an organisation that is bound by the requirements of the Act. However, the Board acknowledges that the Act provides for a framework for best practice and is keen to act as if it were required to be compliant with the Act.
Publication Schemes
Under the Act, public authorities are required to produce a publication scheme that sets out the classes of information it publishes or intends to publish. The purpose of a scheme is to indicate to the public what types of information are available from the Board, in what format, at what cost and how it can be accessed. It is not merely a list of bound publications, but also includes information available as web pages and computer printouts, whether textual or numeric, and covers information relating to both the internal and external faces of the organisation.
The EAB’s Scheme
The EAB’s publication scheme is the responsibility of the Principal Officer.
The EAB’s intention is to publish and make available as much information as it can, whilst limiting the amount considered exempt. However, it regards the development of the scheme as an organic process and hence expects it to expand over time as implementation of the Act continues. There will be a formal review every year. The scheme is primarily available on the EAB’s website. However, in order to ensure availability to those without internet access, the scheme is also provided in hard copy. To assist the partially sighted and blind, the scheme can be provided on request in enlarged print or Braille, or on tape. The Board will also provide, if requested, the scheme in Welsh.
Requesting Information
Requests for information should be made to
The Principal Officer
Examinations Appeals Board
83 Piccadilly
London
W1J 8QA
Tel: 020 7509 5995
Where information is not listed in the scheme, it may be because the information is deemed exempt under the provisions of the Act. However, there may be some non-exempt information that has not yet been included within the scheme, and as such may be available on request. The EAB reserves the right to refuse such requests under the terms of the Act.
The EAB aims to supply requested information, where not deemed exempt, within twenty working days, and earlier where possible.
Personal Information
All requests for personal information are subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act, and not to those of the Freedom of Information Act.
Fees
Access to information may be subject to fees to cover photocopying or printing and postage. The EAB reserves the right to waive these charges where it deems it appropriate.
Complaints
If anyone considers that their request for information has been unreasonably refused, or considers that the EAB office staff have failed to provide a helpful and courteous service they should follow the EAB’s complaint procedures.
Publication Scheme
| Title | Format and availability | Short descrption | Price |
| Remit and procedures of the EAB | On the EAB website | The remit of the Board from the Secretary of State | Free |
| Appeal Hearings - guidance and information | On the EAB website | Guidance to parties in appeal hearings | Free |
| Application for an appeal to be heard | On the EAB website | Application form to be completed and sent to EAB requesting an appeal hearing | Free |
| Annual report | On the EAB website | Annual report of the Board to the Secretary of State | Free |
| Dates and outcomes of appeals | On the EAB website | Information on the dates of appeals and their outcomes | Free |
| Case summaries | On the EAB website | A summary of each case heard by the EAB together with the panel decision | Free |