Publication Scheme

Background

The Freedom of Information Act became law on 30 November 2000. It is intended to foster a culture of openness in government. The Act establishes a right of access to all types of "recorded" information held by public authorities and imposes obligations on public authorities to disclose information, subject to a range of exemptions. The Act must be brought full into force by 30 November 2005. Implementation is phased, with different groups of public authorities coming within the scope of the Act in stages. Individuals rights of access to information will be phased in at the same time.

The OISC publication scheme is a guide to the information routinely published by the Immigration Services Commissioner.

OISC Publication Scheme - What is it?

It is not a list of all publications since these will change over time and new versions will replace outdated ones. It is however, a description of the classes or types of information that we publish.

The classes of information are described in part B of the scheme.

A full list of the publications currently available under each heading and those planned for future publication may be obtained from our website or from the OISC Office Manager (see below).

How much do the Publications cost?

The publications are generally free unless otherwise stated. Documents on the website are available in html, word or pdf format, and can be downloaded free of charge. However, to read pdf documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download this software free of charge from www.adobe.com

If you request information under the scheme, it is our aim where possible to make it available to you free of charge. However, where it takes a considerable amount of time to gather or prepare the information requested we will charge for that work. If your request does attract any charges we will ask whether you wish to continue with the request before we undertake the work. VAT is not charged and the charges levied are subject to regular review.

Generally the charges will cover only photocopying costs, postage and packing. This includes information that has already been prepared and all that is necessary to reproduce it is for someone to photocopy it or provide a computer printout (where no significant programming time is needed). It includes copies of entries in the public registers and copies of internal guidance and instructions. The current charges are 10p per page plus administration (currently £3.50) plus any postage incurred. However, where photocopying costs are less than £2.00 all charges will be waived.

How are they published?

All publications can be downloaded from our website (www.oisc.gov.uk).

Office Manager
Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
5th Floor
Counting House
53 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QN

Tel: 020 7211 1500
Fax: 020 7211 1553
E-mail: info@oisc.gov.uk

Classes of Information

1. Organisation and Structure

This class covers information about the staffing structure at the OISC.

1. An organogram of the organisation.
2. Main contact details.

2. Information about Immigration Advisers

The Commissioner is required by statute to publish:

1. A register of persons registered.
2. A list of persons exempted.
3. A list of those who are Subject to a direction made by the Immigration Services Tribunal.

The lists may be consulted on our website. In addition the combined register and list of those exempted by the Commissioner can be searched by postcode in order to identify advisers in a particular area.

Copy entries of the register or list are available from the OISC Office Manager see above.

3. Policy and Strategy

This class provides information about the previous, current and prospective work of the OISC.

1. The Business Plan
2. The OISC Annual Reports
3. The OISC Risk Policy
4. The OISC commitment to the Human Rights Act 1998
5. The Commitment to the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
6. The OISC policy on Disclosure and Dissemination of Information
7. OISC Statement on Dealing with Unacceptable Behaviour Towards it Staff

4. Finance and Audit

This class comprises information about how the OISC is financed as well as details of some of its financial policies.

1. Sources of income and details of grant
2. Annual audited accounts (within Annual Reports)
3. Payment policy
4. Procurement - Supplier policies
5. Travel and Subsistence policies
6. Witness expenses policy
7. Audit Committee terms of reference

5. Recruitment, Equal Opportunities and Whistleblowing policies

This class of information includes details about job opportunities at the OISC as well as staff and recruitment policies.

1. Current vacancies
2. Equal Opportunities policy
3. Whistle blowing policy

6. Complaints Procedures

This class of information provides details about how you can complain to the OISC with respect to persons employed by it or its practices. It also provides details about how you can complain to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration regarding the work of the OISC.

1. The procedure for complaining about the OISC
2. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

7. Publications

This class comprises details of the publications currently issued by the Commissioner. These publications detail the standards and competencies that are expected of advisers. Details of the Commissioners Complaints Scheme, regarding complaints about advisers is also provided.

1. The OISC Code of Standards
2. The Commissioner's Rules
3. The OISC Complaints Scheme for the Regulation of those giving advice
4. The OISC Guidance on Competence
5. Guidance and Practice notes (you need to be logged in to access these documents)

8. Press Releases

This class covers details of press releases issued by the OISC in date order.

1. Details of press releases in date order

9. Information Leaflets

This class provides details of the information leaflets issued by the OISC.