Access to information
Cefas aims to work openly, honestly and with integrity, sharing information with our stakeholders and increasing public understanding of science.
We try to make as much information available as possible on our website, and via our Publications Scheme and Information Asset Register. If the information you want is not available from these sources then you can make a request for the information you need.
- Publications scheme
- Cefas maintains a Publication Scheme, this is a guide to the information routinely published by Cefas, set out in classes, or topics, to provide easy access.
- Information asset register
- Cefas Information Asset Register (IAR) focuses on resources that have not been formally published and covers datasets, databases, collections of statistics, research etc. It complements existing lists of Cefas publications.
How to request information
If you would like to request information from Cefas please write to us or email
Records and Information Unit
Cefas
Lowestoft Laboratory
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk NR33 0HT
Tel: 01502 524210
Fax: 01502 524525
Email: lowlibrary@cefas.co.uk
Please include full contact details and as much information as possible to help us satisfy your enquiry.
We will deal with your request as quickly as we can, and will aim to let you have a full response at the latest within 20 working days. If for any reason we are unable to let you have a response within 20 working days we will contact you as soon as possible explaining the reasons for this.
We will aim to provide information free of charge if we can. However, we may need to charge for requests, and in some cases refuse them, if providing the information would involve a substantial diversion of resources. In such circumstances we will always provide advice and assistance to help applicants narrow down or clarify their request before charging or refusing the request.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 do not entitle applicants to free copies of priced publications, or to free use of services for which there is normally a charge.
Appeals against charges or requests for information refused
You may ask Cefas to review a charge made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, or a request for information that has been refused, if you believe either to be unreasonable. Appeals should be made in writing to
Ross Jolliffe
Head of Corporate Affairs
Cefas
Lowestoft Laboratory
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk NR33 0HT
If, having heard the outcome of an appeal, you remain dissatisfied, you can refer your case to the Information Commissioner at:
Office for the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe Hose
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and new Environmental Information Regulations came into force on 1 January 2005.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, anybody may request information from a public authority which has functions in England, Wales and/or Northern Ireland. More information can be found at www.foi.gov.uk.
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 provide rights of access to environmental information. The Regulations and accompanying guidance can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/opengov/eir/. These clarify and extend the rights of access to environmental information which already existed under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992.
