Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act became law on 30 November 2000 with the intention of fostering a culture of openness in Government and public bodies. 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. In common with other public bodies, Dott is required to implement the Act.

As access rights came into force in January 2005, anyone is able to make a request for information, although the request must be in writing (letter or email). The Act gives applicants two related rights:

• The right to be told whether the information exists
• The right to receive the information, where possible in the manner requested.

In some cases, where information is exempt from disclosure, Dott is required to consider if the public interest in maintaining the exemption in question outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

One of the aims of the Act is that all public authorities should be clear and proactive about the information they make available. Section 19 of the Act requires each authority to produce a publication scheme which sets out:

• The classes of information the public authority publishes or intends to publish
• The manner in which they will be published
• Whether the information is available free of charge or on payment.

Dott's publication scheme is available below. The aim of the publication scheme is to explain what information the Dott routinely makes available and, wherever possible, to provide an easy method of accessing this information.

Publications Scheme
This scheme is operated by One NorthEast, Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside. Newcastle, NE15 8NY.

The scheme contains the following classes of information:

Annual Reports from 2006
Minutes of Board Meetings of Dott
Note: These documents, or some of them, may contain information which is subject to one of some of the exceptions from publication for reasons relating personal information, formalistaion of Government policy, legal professional privilege, committee interests and/or information provided in confidence.

The approach taken in the formulation of the scheme is to assist access by the public to the information held by Dott 07 whilst protecting the interests of individuals working for and with Dott.

How to request information
Dott 07 will accept requests for information in the following forms:

Email requests should be sent to Nicola

Written requests to:
Nicola Barnett
Freedom of Information Specialist Advisor
One NorthEast
Stella House
Goldcrest Way
Newburn Riverside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 8NY

Please include the following details when you request information from Dott 07:
Your name and address
The documents you would like to access
The way you would like the information to be sent to you (eg. hard copy or via email)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept telephone requests, under the recommendations of the Freedom of Information Act, we must receive a request in a permanent form.

Information online
We intend that the majority of our information will be available online. Some publications are in a PDF format. To View them you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you do not have the software then we will happily send you a printed version following a written request.

Responding to requests
We will respond to your email and written requests in ten working days, where the information is readily available our response will include the information you require.

Are there any charges for information?
Our aim is to make as much information available to you free of charge. Occasionally, if excess copies of information are required, then we may make a charge.

Complaints procedure
Our policy is to be as open as possible and supply the information you have requested. We may withhold information if we consider its release would cause significant harm.