top of page

DARLINGTON OPTICIANS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PUBLICATION SCHEME

Freedom of Information Publication Scheme

(ICO Model Publication Scheme – NHS Wales Compliant)

1. Introduction

This Publication Scheme commits the organisation to making information routinely available to the public. We adopt the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Model Publication Scheme, which all public authorities must use.

The scheme explains:

  • What information we publish

  • How it can be accessed

  • Whether any charges apply

We aim to be open, transparent, and accountable in how we operate.

2. About This Scheme

This Publication Scheme is organised into the seven information classes defined by the ICO. Information is published on our website wherever possible. If you cannot find what you need, you can make a Freedom of Information request.

Contact for FOI requests:

3. Classes of Information We Publish

Class 1: Who We Are and What We Do

Information about our structure, governance, and services, including:

  • Organisational structure

  • Senior leadership roles

  • Contact details

  • Locations and opening hours

  • Services we provide

  • Partnership arrangements

  • Key governance documents (e.g., Constitution, Standing Orders)

Class 2: What We Spend and How We Spend It

Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure:

  • Annual accounts

  • Financial statements

  • Procurement information

  • Tendering opportunities

  • Expenses and allowances

  • Capital programme information

  • Audit reports

Class 3: What Our Priorities Are and How We Are Doing

Information about our strategies, plans, and performance:

  • Annual reports

  • Strategic plans

  • Performance indicators

  • Quality and safety reports

  • Equality objectives

  • Public health priorities

Class 4: How We Make Decisions

Information about decision‑making processes:

  • Board and committee papers

  • Minutes and agendas

  • Public consultations

  • Policies for decision‑making

  • Records of decisions

Class 5: Our Policies and Procedures

Current written protocols, policies, and procedures for delivering our functions:

  • Information Governance policies

  • Data protection and privacy notices

  • HR policies

  • Health and safety policies

  • Complaints procedures

  • Records management policies

  • Clinical and operational procedures

Class 6: Lists and Registers

Information we hold in registers required by law or for transparency:

  • Asset registers

  • Gifts and hospitality register

  • Declarations of interest

  • FOI disclosure log

  • Data protection registration

Class 7: The Services We Offer

Information about the services we provide:

  • Clinical and non‑clinical services

  • Public health programmes

  • Patient information leaflets

  • Eligibility criteria

  • Service access information

  • Outreach and community services

4. Accessing Information

Most information is available on our website free of charge. If you require printed copies, we may charge:

  • Photocopying

  • Postage

  • Media costs (e.g., USB drive)

We will always tell you in advance if a charge applies.

5. Information Not Covered by the Scheme

If the information you need is not listed, you can request it under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Some information may be withheld if:

  • It is exempt under FOIA

  • It contains personal data

  • Disclosure would cause harm

We will explain any exemptions we apply.

6. Review and Maintenance

This Publication Scheme is reviewed annually by the Information Governance Lead and updated as required.

The latest version is always available on our website.

bottom of page