Freedom of Information Act
Introduction to the FSS Publication Scheme
Freedom Of Information Act 2000: The Forensic Science Service Publication Scheme
Established in accordance with Section 19 of the Act
The Forensic Science Service® (FSS) was previously an executive agency of the Home Office, but is now a separate legal entity in its own right, having been incorporated as a Government owned company (GovCo) in December 2005.
For the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act), the FSS, as a GovCo, falls within the description of a public authority. The FSS is therefore required to comply with the FOI Act’s legislative provisions concerning access to recorded information. Broadly, the FOI Act provides a general right of public access to recorded information held by public authorities and sets out 23 exemptions where the right of access to information is either not allowed or is qualified. The exemptions relate to issues such as national security, law enforcement, commercial interests and personal data (the disclosure of which is governed by data protection legislation). Most exemptions provide for a duty to consider whether disclosure is required in the public interest.
The FOI Act provides the public with two general rights:
- the right to be told if the FSS holds the requested information
- the right to receive the information, where possible in the manner requested, subject to certain exemptions and conditions
An additional requirement of the FOI Act is an obligation set out in section 19 of the legislation, to adopt and maintain a Publication Scheme that defines the classes of information that public authorities are committed to publishing.
Purpose and aims of the Forensic Science Service
The FSS is the leading provider of forensic science expertise to law enforcement agencies in the UK, with over 60 years experience of working with the police sector. The FSS is an integral and vital part of the Criminal Justice System, offering forensic solutions to investigative problems in the fight against crime. In providing a high quality, high value service in support of the Government’s strategy on crime reduction and building a safer community, we are ensuring that the FSS plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operation of the Criminal Justice System.
- The FSS’ mission is to retain and reinforce our leading position as the principal provider of forensic science services to the UK criminal justice system (UKCJS), and use this platform to become the leading provider worldwide, thereby enhancing long-term shareholder value.
- The FSS’ vision will challenge the way forensic sciences are delivered and who delivers them, and is: Real time scientific solutions, supporting safer communities.
- The FSS’ values are objectivity, responsiveness, reliability and collaboration.
Purpose and aims of the Forensic Science Service
The publication scheme provides a route map so that you can find information held by the FSS quickly and easily. The Scheme specifies:
- the classes of information we publish or intend to publish
- the manner in which the information in each class is or is intended to be published;
and - whether the material is or is intended to be available free of charge or on payment.
Responsibility for the FSS Publication Scheme
The Legal department Forensic Science Service, 109 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7LP has overall responsibility for the FSS Publication Scheme.
The person responsible for maintaining the Publication Scheme on a daily basis is:
FOI Enquiries
Room B2046
Forensic Science Service
109 Lambeth Road
London SE1 7LP
Email: foienquiries@fss.pnn.police.uk
The Ministry of Justice leads on policy related to the FOI Act and has published a code of practice under section 45 of the FOI Act on the discharge of public authorities functions under Part 1 of the FOI Act. A code of practice on records management has also been issued under section 46 of the FOI Act.
If you are interested in reading further information about the FOI Act please click here.
The Office of the Information Commissioner (ICO) is the UK’s independent public body set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information. The ICO regulates and enforces the Data Protection Act 1998, as well as the FOI Act. The ICO provides guidance to organisations and individuals, making decisions on eligible complaints, and have the authority to take action when the law is broken. Reporting directly to Parliament, the ICO’s powers include the ability to order compliance, using enforcement and decision notices, and prosecution.
Click here to access the ICO’s website.
The material available through this Publication Scheme is subject to the Forensic Science Service’s copyright unless otherwise indicated.
Obtaining documents and information under the Publication Scheme
All information on the FSS’ Publication Scheme and the website is freely available for downloading, if you have internet access. Otherwise, copies will be provided on request. Other information published in accordance with this Scheme, but not available electronically, will also be sent on request. You can request published information by e-mailing the FSS at foienquiries@fss.pnn.police.uk, or by writing to
We indicate in the individual Publication Scheme Information Classes where a charge may be levied. The following could apply to information you intend to use for private research / study:
- Free of charge on the website (i.e. there is no charge by us, but the user will have to meet any charges by their Internet service provider, personal printing costs, etc.) For those without Internet access, a single printout as on the website will be available by post from the above contact address. However, requests for multiple print outs or for archived copies of documents which are no longer available on the web, may attract a charge for the cost of retrieval, photocopying, postage etc. We will let you know this at the time of your request. Any charge will be payable in advance.
- Free of charge leaflets or booklets.
If you have a complaint about the operation of this Publication Scheme, or how the FSS has dealt with a request for information, please write to:
foienquiries@fss.pnn.police.uk
FOI Enquiries
Room B2046
Forensic Science Service
109 Lambeth Road
London SE1 7LP
Review of the Publication Scheme
We will review our Publication Scheme in February 2007 and annually thereafeter. In addition, we shall routinely monitor its operation.
This Publication Scheme is intended to help you find FSS information quickly and easily and to improve the flow of information into the public domain. We want to improve our service to you and would, therefore, welcome any comment or suggestions that you may have about how we could improve the Scheme. Please email or write to us at the addresses provided previously.
The FSS will routinely publish the responses to request for information under the FOI Act that have resulted in a release of information. To view the items in the disclosure log, please click here.