Girton College is a College within the University of Cambridge, and we work closely with the University on all matters of common interest affecting the education of students and the pursuit of scholarship and research. The College's publication scheme should be read within the context of the University’s own publication scheme which is available online: Freedom of Information | Information Compliance (cam.ac.uk).
Availability of information
Throughout the publication, web links are provided for information available online. The majority of information is available via the Girton College website or via the University of Cambridge website.
Where information is only available in hardcopy, a charge may be applied.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 aims to promote greater openness and accountability across the public sector by requiring all ‘public authorities’ to make information available proactively, through their publication schemes.
‘Public authorities’ are defined in the Act and include universities, further education colleges and sixth form colleges.
The Act came fully into force in England and Wales on 1 January 2005 and Girton College has had a publication scheme since that date. The scheme is regularly updated and feedback is welcomed.
A publication scheme is a document that describes the information that a public authority publishes, or intends to publish. In this context, ‘publish’ means to make information available, routinely. These descriptions are called ‘classes of information’.
The scheme is not a list of the actual publications, because this will change as new material is published or existing material revised. It is, however, the public authority’s commitment to make available the information described.
A publication scheme must set out the classes, or categories, of information published. It must also make clear how the information described can be accessed and whether or not charges will be made.
Girton College has adopted the model publication scheme prepared by the Information Commissioner’s Office and is committed to publishing the information it describes.
This model is designed to assist the public in accessing information from public authorities. However, to reflect the diversity in size and function of institutions, models will vary slightly.
The Girton College Publication Scheme was last reviewed and updated in 2024.
The classes of information we publish are described in the main part of the scheme.
Next to each class we have indicated the manner in which the information described will be available (hard copy or via the internet). We have also indicated whether charges apply to material in each class.
To request information available through our publication scheme, please contact the Freedom of Information Coordinator.
Please note that a publication scheme relates to ‘published’ information. Therefore, material covered has already been prepared in a format ready for distribution.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, anyone can submit a request for information held by a public authority which it has not already made available through its publication scheme.
However, information may be subject to an exemption under the Act and not released.
Where an exemption has been applied, public authorities may be required to explain to the applicant why they are not releasing information and potentially to justify this reasoning to the Information Commissioner.
How to make an FOI request
All valid FOI requests must be made in writing. You can do this by:
- A letter addressed to The Freedom of Information Coordinator, Girton College, Cambridge CB3 0JG
- An email to foi@girton.cam.ac.uk
Before you make your request
Please check the College's Publication Scheme before you submit an FOI request.
- The information may be published already and may be available online.
- A similar FOI may have been answered and the information is publicly available e.g., WhatDoTheyKnow
A valid request
To make a valid request, you will need to include:
- Your full name
- A contact address (either postal or email address)
- A clear description of the information you are requesting
You can request the information in a particular format and the College will try to accommodate your preference so far as it is reasonably practicable.
It is important that this publication scheme meets your needs. If you find the scheme difficult to understand, please let us know.
We also welcome suggestions as to how our scheme might be improved. Any questions, comments or complaints about this scheme should be sent in writing to the Freedom of Information Coordinator.
The Freedom of Information Coordinator
Girton College, Cambridge, CB3 0JG
T: +44 (0)1223 338987
E: foi@girton.cam.ac.uk
If we are unable to resolve any complaint, you can complain to the Information Commissioner, the independent body which oversees the Freedom of Information Act:
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF