1. About this Scheme
2. How to get the information available under the Scheme
3. Responsibility for the Publication Scheme
4. Exemptions
5. Charging policy
6. Copyright
7. The information listed in the Publication Scheme
8. How to access information not included in the Publication Scheme
9. Comments or complaints
1. About this Scheme
Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 we are required to adopt a Publication Scheme. The scheme lists the types of information we publish, or intend to publish, and explains how we will make this information available.
The information we make available is described in Section 7: The Information listed in the Publication Scheme on this summary page.
Our Publication Scheme is based on a model used by all NHSScotland Boards and Special Health Boards. The model scheme has been drawn up by the Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) along with representatives from each Board and Special Health Board.
2. How to get the information available 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 printed copies that will be sent to you by post.
To request printed copies of documents listed in our Publication Scheme please contact:
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 information please include your name, address and telephone number so we can claify any details with you.
Printed copies may be charged on a cost recovery basis. Please see Section 5: Charging Policy on this summary page for more information.
Alternative formats: We can also make our publications available in audio format, Braille, large print, and community languages.
All of the information we publish is available in alternative formats and 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, Senior Communications Officer for NHS QIS, at the address listed in Section 2. Or by using his email 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.
3. Responsibility for the Publication Scheme
4. Exemptions
5. Charging policy
If there is a cost associated with your request we will advise of the total charge before we send the information to you. We will send the information as soon as payment is received.
6. Copyright
Where the copyright belongs to someone other than NHS QIS you must obtain permission to reproduce the material from the copyright holder concerned.
7. The information listed in the Publication Scheme
A lot of the information we hold is made publicly available as soon as it is published. This includes:
- information on the our structure, organisation and responsibilities
For example: organisation charts and diagrams; information on Board members and senior staff.
- information on how we operate and about the Board
For example: Minutes of Board meetings and agenda papers submitted to Board meetings; Board Members Register of Interests; Annual Report; letter from the Scottish Executive on the annual Accountability Review.
- information on the our finances
For example: annual audited accounts; external auditors' letters.
- information on what we do and the standards or targets we aim to achieve
For example: approved Strategic Plan; Business Plan; promotional and advisory brochures on our work.
- information on how you can become involved in our work
For example: Patient Focus and Public Involvement Framework; A Guide for Lay Reviewers.
- reports and details of public responses to consultations and surveys
For example: Lay Reviewers Conference Report
- information on policies and procedures which relate to our internal objectives
For example: Health and Safety Policy; Fire Safety Policy; Race Equality Scheme.
- information on our complaints procedure
For example: Complaints Policy.
- information on our employment policies and procedures
For example: annual Staff Survey results; Equal Opportunities Policy; Bullying and Harrassment Policy.
- press releases
8. How to access information not included in the Publication 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.
9. Comments or complaints
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 2 of this summary page.
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