Public authorities hold a vast quantity of information, most of which is accessible by a framework of legislation.  Information is accessible, unless it is subject to an exemption which prevents its disclosure, under the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Each piece of legislation covers different types of information.

Information Governance

Information Governance is a relatively new concept. It enables organisations and individuals to ensure that information is dealt with legally, securely, efficiently and effectively. Torbay Council's Information Governance Team helps to ensure that the Council handles any information it holds, such as that about its employees and other individuals (for example rate payers, benefit claimants and users of library services), within the terms of the relevant legislation, and uses that information in a compliant manner to best support business functions and deliver services.

Information held by Torbay Council is covered by various pieces of legislation:

• Data Protection Act 1998 - protects individuals personal privacy by regulating the way personal data is processed and gives you, as an individual, rights in relation to the personal data which is held about you.
  
  
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004 - covers information about the air/atmosphere, water, soil, land, landscape and natural sites, noise, radiation and biological diversity.
  
  
• Freedom of Information Act 2000 - means anyone will be able to request to see, or have provided to them, non-personal information held by Torbay Council.  
  
  
• The Publication Scheme - provides guidance on finding information held by the Council according to its type.
  
  
• Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 - allows people to apply to re-use information held by the Council.
  
  
• Public Trust Charter  - this document summarises how we look after the information that you give to the Council.
  
  
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 - was enacted so that surveillance activities are regulated to ensure compliance with the principles of the Human Rights Act 1998.

For further information contact the Information Governance Team.

To gain access to Adult Social Care information you will now need to contact the Torbay Care Trust.

To view any published Related Documents for this service you will require the appropriate software. To download this software please see our documents help page. All links to documents will open in a new window. To request documents and files in an alternative format please contact us using the contact information provided on this page.