Model schemes

Where a large number of public authorities all perform similar functions, the Freedom of Information Act allows four model schemes to be developed. These schemes contain pre-defined classes of information with fairly general titles, as well as standard information about charging and manner of publication. Once a model scheme has been approved by the Information Commissioner, it may be adopted by the public authorities it was designed for. As long as they don't make changes to the original model scheme, there is no need to submit their own scheme for approval from the Information Commissioner.

Model publication schemes that have been approved by the Information Commissioner are listed below. Each scheme has been designed for a particular group of public authorities and may be adopted by these authorities from that group. When necessary, the model schemes are accompanied by explanatory notes.

Approved Model Schemes and Related Guidance

Local Government

• District Drainage Commissioners model scheme
• Fire Authorities model scheme
• Internal Drainage Boards model scheme  
• Parish & Town and Community Councils model scheme
• Parish Meetings model scheme
• Passenger Transport Authorities model publication scheme
• Port Health Authorities model scheme

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Health Sector

• NHS FAQ's

England

• Acute Trusts model scheme
• Ambulance Trusts model scheme
• Dentists model scheme
• General Practitioners model scheme
• Mental Health Trusts model scheme 
• Opticians and Optometrists model scheme
• Primary Care Trusts model scheme
• Strategic Health Authorities model scheme

Wales

• Community Health Councils model scheme (Wales): Guidance: Approval Questionnaire
• Dentist model scheme (Wales): Approval Questionnaire: Guidance
• GP model scheme (Wales):  Guidance:Approval Questionnaire
• Local Health Board model scheme (Wales): Guidance:Approval Questionnaire
• Opticians & Optometrists model scheme (Wales): Guidance:Approval Questionnaire
• Pharmacist model scheme (Wales):  Guidance:Approval Questionnaire
• Trust model scheme (Wales):  Guidance:Approval Questionnaire

Northern Ireland

• Dentist model scheme (NI): Guidance
• GP model scheme (NI): Guidance
• Health & Social Services Board model scheme (NI) 
• Opticians & Optometrists model scheme (NI); Guidance
• Pharmacist model scheme (NI): Guidance
• Trust Agencies & councils model scheme and Guidance NI

Please note: alternative versions of model schemes have been approved for opticians and dentists. Copies of the alternative models may be obtained from your respective representatives bodies.

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Education

• FOI - What does it mean for the education sector?
• Maintained Nursery School model publication scheme 
• Maintained Nursery School model publication scheme - copy and fill in 
• Explanatory Notes for model publication scheme for Maintained Nursery Schools
• Model publication scheme for Nursery Schools (NI) 
• Model publication scheme for Nursery Schools Explanatory Notes (NI) - copy and fill in 

Primary and Secondary Education Documents

• FOI 2000 Notice to schools
• Schools explanatory notes
• Primary Schools model scheme (revised 2006) - copy and fill in 
• Primary Schools model scheme (revised 2006)  
• Primary Schools model scheme Northern Ireland -copy and fill in  
• Secondary School model scheme (revised 2006) - copy and fill in  
• Secondary School model scheme 
• Secondary School model scheme Northern Ireland - copy and fill in 
• Model publication scheme for Primary & Secondary Schools in Wales - copy and fill in
• Dyma Gynllun Cyoeddi (Enw'r ysgol)

Higher and Further Education Documents

• Higher and Further Education FAQs
• Higher and Further Education Guidance
• Introduction to model publication scheme for Higher Education
• Higher Education Institutions model scheme for England Wales and Northern Ireland
• Introduction to model publication scheme for Further Education
• Further Education model scheme for England Wales and Northern Ireland
• Higher & Further Education Declaration Form 1
• Higher and Further Education Declaration Form 2

Welsh Translations for Further and Higher Education

• Higher and Further Education explanatory notes 
• Introduction to model publication scheme for Further Education
• Higher Education model scheme 
• Higher and Further Education Declaration Form 1 - No Modifications
• Higher and Further Education Declaration Form 2 - Modifications

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Submit a publication scheme