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Further information about ATI

 

Publication scheme

We have published the scheme in line with section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The purpose of the Act is to promote greater openness by public authorities (i.e. government and other public sector organisations).

The publication scheme (pdf 49kb) is a guide to key information which VLA routinely publishes or makes available. It focuses on information about our key areas of business, the standards and guidance we follow to make decisions and accoun for what we do. Much more information about VLA is available on our website.

The scheme is structured according to broad classes that reflect the range of our work. These are:

  1. Who we are and what we do
  2. What we spend and how we spend it
  3. What are our priorities and how are we doing
  4. How we make decisions
  5. Our policies and procedures
  6. Lists and registers
  7. The services we offer

The information subjects that form our publication scheme are defined within these classes. They contain the following information:

  • Description – comprises the name of the information subject and a brief description of the nature of the information
  • Availability – indicates where the information can be obtained and contact points, including any information within the class that may not be publicly available. Charges for information will only be shown where these are applicable

How much do publications cost?

Documents on the VLA website can be downloaded free of charge. Documents published in hard copy format may have a cover charge; where this occurs it is indicated in the publication scheme.

How are they published?

We try to make as much of our published information available on our website at www.vla.gov.uk. For those without internet access, a single print-out, as on the website, is available free of charge from the VLA Library at:

The Library
Veterinary Laboratories Agency
New Haw
Addlestone
Surrey
KT15 3NB
Email: enquiries@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk  

Please note: There may be a charge for multiple print-outs, or for archived copies of documents which are no longer available on the web. This is to cover the cost of photocopying, postage etc. We will let you know this at the time of your request. Any charge will be payable in advance.

Feedback

It is important that the scheme meets users’ needs. We welcome suggestions for additional classes of information that could be included. We also welcome feedback on how the information products and publications could be improved. Please send any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme to the Librarian (see above for contact details).

Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations and individual rights

If the information you want to see is not covered by our publication scheme, you can contact VLA to request the information. Providing it is not covered by one of the exemptions in the legislation, we will try to provide you with that information.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, individuals may also request a copy of any personal data that VLA holds about them. These requests should be sent in writing to the Defra Data Protection Team.

Copyright

VLA is a Crown body and the information it produces is subject to Crown copyright, which is administered by the Office of Public Sector Information. The material listed in this publication scheme is Crown copyright unless stated otherwise. You may use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, for the purposes of research for non-commercial purposes, private study, criticism, review and news reporting. You must re-use it accurately and not in a misleading context. The material must be acknowledged as Crown copyright and you must give the title of the source information/publication.

However, if you wish to use all or part of this information for commercial purposes, including publishing, you will need to apply for a licence via the OPSI website or by contacting licensing@opsi.gov.uk.