More information about the Publication Scheme

• Aims and activities of The Natural History Museum

The Museum is the UK's national museum of natural history, and a centre of scientific excellence in taxonomy and biodiversity. The Museum's mission is to maintain and develop its collections and use them to promote the discovery, understanding, responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world.

The Natural History Museum includes the Natural History Museum at Tring, Herts, HP23 6AP.

• Who looks after the Scheme?

The Director is responsible for overall management of The Natural History Museum’s Publication Scheme and the Museum’s Archivist is responsible for its day-to-day maintenance. The Scheme, once approved by the Information Commissioner, is reviewed on a regular basis.

• What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act, which was passed on 30 November 2000, gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information. The Museum has additional obligations under the Act, including the disclosure of information, subject to certain exemptions, and implementing the full legislation from January 2005.

From this date anyone is able to make a written request (by email or letter) for information. The Act provides applicants with two related rights:

- The right to be told if information exists

- The right to receive that information within 20 working days, where possible in the manner requested (as a copy, summary, or by personal inspection)

In some cases information may be exempt from disclosure. However the Museum is required to consider whether the public interest in maintaining a particular exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

• What is a Publication Scheme?

Under Section 19 of the Act all public authorities are expected to prepare a Publication Scheme listing information that is made available on a pro-active basis.

This must include:

- classes of information the Museum publishes or intends to publish

- how and when information will be published

- if the information is available free of charge or on payment

• What information does the Museum’s Scheme include?

The Scheme lists information that the Museum publishes or plans to publish in classes covering:

- corporate information

- collections information

- visitor services

The Scheme includes information already in the public domain. Issues of accountability and public interest were taken into account when making additional information available. It is available electronically or as a paper copy from the Archivist (Tel: +44(0) 207 942 5507).

• Access to information

The Publication Scheme only addresses part of the access provisions under the Act. Since January 2005 access to information is available on request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Access to personal information is provided under the Data Protection Act and access to environmental information is made available under the Environmental Information Regulations.

• Is all information publicly available?

The Scheme may include exempt information. If an exemption applies, published material will indicate where information is not available and the reason why this has been done. Usually information is not made available if it would affect or compromise:

- an individual’s legal rights under the Data Protection Act

- the environment under the Environmental Information Regulations

- health, safety, security of Museum staff and visitors

- the Museum’s commercial confidentiality

• How do I ask for information?

Requests for information must be in writing, with sufficient detail to help identify the information required. Please specify that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act. The target for responding to such requests is 20 working days from the date of receipt unless we require further details from you to clarify your request or payment to supply the information. This target may be extended if substantial research or collation is required.

For further information, to make a request, or if you have difficulty in making an application in writing, contact:

Natural History Museum Freedom of Information Coordinator, telephone +44 (0)20 7942 5507 or email.

• Is there a charge for obtaining information?

Most information listed in the Scheme can be downloaded free of charge from the Museum’s website or a single, printed copy can be obtained from the specified contact.

Charges for photocopying and postage and packing may apply for multiple printouts. Some information will only be available in printed hard copy. Applicants will be informed if a cost is involved when making a request for information.

Access to the Museum’s permanent display is free. Access to research and reference collections is available by appointment with the appropriate Head of Department as listed in the publication scheme.

• Is any information copyright?

Information that is created by the Museum and included in this Publication Scheme may only be reproduced for the purposes of research or private study. Fees may be charged for reproducing Museum information for other purposes and unauthorised reproduction is strictly forbidden. Permission to reproduce information in the Publication Scheme does not extend to material that is identified as being the copyright of a third party. Authorisation to reproduce such material must be obtained from the copyright holders concerned.

• Appeal and Complaints Procedure

If you are not satisfied by the reply to your request for information, you are entitled to invoke the complaint procedure.

The first step is to seek an internal review of the Museum's handling of your request. Applications for internal review should be submitted in writing to the department which initially dealt with the request, or to the Museum's Archivist and Records Manager. The handling of the request will be reviewed by a seniro member of staff who was not involved in the initial response.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome or the conduct of the internal review, you may seek an independent review from the Information Commissioner.

Requests for a review by the Information Commissioner should be made in writing to: The Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF (Tel: +44(0) 1625 545700).