About this Scheme
1. Introduction
2. About NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS)
3. Preparing the publication scheme
4. Accessing information under the scheme
5. Information that we may withhold
6. Our charging policy
7. Our copyright policy
8. Our records management and disposal policy
9. Feedback
10. Complaints
11. How to access information which is not available under this scheme
12. Classes of information
1. Introduction.
Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) we are required to adopt a publication scheme. A publication scheme sets out the types of information that a public authority routinely makes available, and explains how this information is made available.
This web page is a summary of the scheme, and the full version can be found by using the link towards the top right of this page. The numbering in the summarised sections below matches that in the full scheme.
The information we make available is described in section 12 of the scheme - please see summary below.
This scheme has been approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner who is responsible for enforcing FOISA. We are also obliged to review this scheme from time to time.
2. About NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS)
NHS QIS was established in 2003 and leads the use of knowledge to promote improvement in the quality of healthcare for the people of Scotland. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is part of NHS QIS and produces guidelines on clinical practice. NHS QIS is the legal ‘umbrella’ body for the Scottish Health Council which is thus covered by the this publication scheme. Please see the Scottish Health Council's freedom of information page for further information: www.scottishhealthcouncil.org/shcp/838.html
3. Preparing the publication scheme
When preparing or reviewing our publication scheme, we are obliged by FOISA to have due regard to the public interest in providing access to the information that we hold which relates to: the services we provide; the costs of those services; the standard of those services; the facts that inform the important decisions we take; and the reasoning that informs our decisions.
4. Accessing information under the scheme
We will respond to all requests for information from anyone. This includes any requests made for information listed in our publication scheme, as well as any other information that we have recorded in the course of our work.
Most of the information listed in our publication scheme is available through this website. Click here to access our search page. You can also contact us for copies that will be sent to you by post.
To request copies of documents listed in our publication scheme please contact:
Freedom of Information Officer
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
Elliott House
8-10 Hillside Crescent
Edinburgh EH7 5EA
Telephone: 0131 623 4300
Email: comments.qis@nhs.net
Fax: 0131 623 4299
When requesting print copies of information please include your name, address and telephone number so we can clarify any details with you and make a delivery.
Printed copies may be charged on a cost recovery basis. Please see section 6 - our charging policy.
Alternative formats: all of the information we publish is available in audio format, Braille, large print, and community languages. on request. There may be a short delay before we can provide this to you, while we arrange for the document to be converted or translated.
Personal visits: Some information may be viewed in our offices. We recommend you make an appointment before visiting so we can provide you with the information as quickly as possible.
To arrange a visit please contact:
Patrick Maitland-Cullen, Freedom of Information Officer, at the address listed in section 4. You can also make contact by email - at address: patrick.maitland-cullen@nhs.net.
We can make alternative arrangments if you have problems visiting our offices, so please tell us of your particular needs.
5. Information that we may withhold
6. Our charging policy
All information contained within our scheme is available from us free of charge where it can be downloaded from our website or where it can be sent to you electronically by email.
We reserve the right to impose charges for providing information in paper copy or on computer disc – typically we do not apply these charges. Charges will reflect the actual costs of reproduction and postage to the authority.
In the event that a charge is to be levied, you will be advised of the charge and how it has been calculated. Information will not be provided to you until payment has been received.
7. Our copyright policy
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (and the Scottish Health Council) holds the copyright for the vast majority of information in this publication scheme. You can copy or reproduce the information in our documents for: use within NHSScotland; educational purposes; for personal use.
You must not make a profit using information in our documents. Commercial organisations must get our written permission before reproduction. In addition, our documents should be: copied or reproduced accurately; not used in a misleading context; acknowledged.
Where the copyright belongs to someone other than NHS QIS you must obtain permission to reproduce the material from the copyright holder concerned.
8. Our records management and disposal policy
The NHS QIS Records Management Strategic Plan (Nov 2004) was commissioned to address two significant issues: the need for NHS QIS to be well positioned to meet the requirements of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the pressure on storage space within the existing office premises in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The definition of records includes personnel records, invoices, payment records, books of account, memos, reports, letters, minutes and working papers for meetings and other written or electronic items which are created or received and retained within the organisation. Please see the full version of the publication scheme for further information.
9. Feedback
We will revise and update our publication scheme regularly, and welcome your comments and questions to help us do this. We would like to know if you found it easy to get information listed in the publication scheme, or not.
Please contact Patrick Maitland-Cullen by email at patrick.maitland-cullen@nhs.net, or by writing to the address listed in section 4 of this summary page.
10. Complaints
If you wish to complain about the publication scheme or about the response you have received please contact Patrick Maitland-Cullen in the first instance.
If you are still unhappy with how we have dealt with your request, or if you don't agree with our response to your request for information you can complain to the Scottish Information Commissioner. Please contact:
Kevin Dunion
Scottish Information Commissioner
Telephone: 01334 464 610
Email: enquiries@itspublicknowledge.info
Website: www.itspublicknowledge.info
11. How to access information which is not available under this scheme
If the information you require is not listed in the publication scheme you can still request it from us.
The publication scheme lists information that we make publicly available as a matter of course, but under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, all information that we hold can be requested. Please contact us if you would like to see information that is not listed in our publication scheme.
Please use the contact details given in section 4 above.
12. Classes of information
A lot of the information we hold is made publicly available as soon as it is published. Please see list below.
(a) NHS Quality Improvement Scotland: who we are.
For example: information on NHS QIS board members; NHS QIS organisation charts and diagrams; our work at NHS QIS; SIGN staff, and information on SIGN’s role as part of NHS QIS. Also information on Scottish Health Council organisation structure.
(b) Corporate information/governance
This class contains information on the corporate governance of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (and Scottish Health Council) and on the overall performance of the NHS QIS board. For example: the NHS QIS annual report, SIGN annual report; NHS QIS annual accountability review letter from the Scottish Government; also the Scottish Health Council annual report and corporate plan.
(c) Financial information
This class contains information on the finances of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. For example: annual audited accounts; the NHS QIS financial summary.
(d) The Policy framework for NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
This class contains information on NHS QIS policies and on the services provided. For example: Fair for All and NHS QIS; NHS QIS 2008/09 – 2010/11 delivery plan; NHS QIS annual review 2007 - self-assessment; promotional/informational/advisory leaflets/brochures/pamphlets etc on the provision of services.
(e) Improvement, change and innovation
This class contains information on NHS Quality Improvement Scotland plans for changes to and innovations in the delivery of services. For example: NHS QIS health technology assessment report 10: determining the most clinically and cost-effective way of implementing digital mammography services for breast screening in NHSScotland (March 2008).
(f) Reports of independent assessments on NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, and reports or guidelines produced by NHS QIS (and Scottish Health Council)
This class contains information on reports of independent assessments of NHS QIS (and Scottish Health Council) plus reports on other bodies and guidance produced by NHS QIS (and Scottish Health Council). For example: Audit Scotland reports; NHS QIS findings and advice; SIGN guidelines, and Scottish Health Council geographical board annual self-assessment reports.
(g) Patient focus/public involvement
This class contains information on consultation procedures, timescales and how you can become involved. It also contains consultation documents/publications and details of the public responses to consultation. For example: public consultation reports and publications; equality impact assessment (EQIA) summary reports; SIGN consultation processes; and Scottish Health Council local advisory councils information.
(h) Policies and procedures
This class contains information on the policies and procedures of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (and Scottish Health Council) which are primarily, but not exclusively, focused on the internal service delivery functions of the board. For example: health and safety policy*; fire safety policy*; SIGN guideline development methodology.
* environment-related policies
(i) Complaints procedures
This class contains information on the complaints procedures for NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (and Scottish Health Council). For example: NHS QIS complaints procedures; Scottish Health Council complaints procedures; ombudsman reports.
(j) Staff governance
This class contains information on the employment policies and procedures of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (and Scottish Health Council). For example: gender equality scheme 2007-2010; equal opportunities; bullying and harassment; declaration of interests/acceptance of hospitality.
(k) Press releases and updates
This class contains information on our communications with the press and media. For example: ebulletins; NHS QIS press releases and press statements; Scottish Health Council press releases and press statements; SIGN press releases.
(l) – Public health
This class contains information we have made available on the health of Scotland’s population. For example: clinical indicators 2007.
(m) Class (m) – Environmental information
Please note that the topic this class of information is designed for is covered in the case of NHS QIS by class (h) policies and procedures. Please see class (h).