Data protection

1: Information Governance

It is important that colleagues contributing to, or supporting committees, and committee members themselves, ensure that they comply as appropriate with the University’s Information Governance Framework

2: Data Protection

Colleagues preparing papers and reports for committee meetings, and committee secretaries drafting minutes of meetings should ensure that they follow recommended best practice regarding data protection, particularly with regard to individuals’ personal information.

Further guidance is available from the University Information Governance Office

3: Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act (2000) gives the public general rights of access to recorded information held by HEIs and other public authorities. This includes committee documents.

The presumption of the Freedom of Information Act legislation is in favour of disclosure, which HEIs and other public authorities can achieve by two routes, both of which are statutory duties:

• responding to direct requests for information, and
• maintaining a Publication Scheme, which specifies what information is readily available and how this information can be obtained. 

Further guidance is available from the University Information Governance Office