Information, Advice & Guidance & FOI Publications Scheme
Information, Advice & Guidance Policy
Aims of the policy
To state how Theatres Trust will act where information, advice and guidance is provided to ensure that it does not compromise its independence, its role as a statutory consultee, or its ability to act and advise in the best interests of theatres in the UK.
1. Background
The Theatres Trust Act 1976 identifies (see Clause 2c) that The Theatres Trust has a duty, ‘to maintain or assist in the maintenance of any theatre’. This includes the provision of information, advice, and guidance. The Trust’s Information, Advice and Guidance Policy guides its work in this area.
2. The policy
As a Public Body, Theatres Trust is subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The Theatres Trust seeks to ensure that in the provision of information and in the delivery of its advisory work, the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, mutual recognition, and proportionality apply.
In the course of its work information is provided to the Trust by local planning authorities, theatres, professional firms providing services to theatre operators, public bodies, Corporate Supporters and the Friends of Theatres Trust, members of the public and others. Subject to the FOI Act and commercial interests, this information is available in the Trust’s printed and online publications and can be supplied by the Trust on request.
When providing information, advice, or guidance as a result of a direct request for a referral, the Trust, without compromising commercial confidentiality, aims to familiarise the enquirer with comparable theatres/projects from its Theatres Database and other sources.
In line with current data protection legislation, the Trust provides contact information where there is a mutual business interest; for the theatre/projects, identifies the professional firms that worked on the project and, in the context of providing information responsibly, advises on the best contact at the theatre that could provide further information, whilst also signposting the enquirer to advice on the appointment of consultants and professional firms.
Theatres Trust holds information on theatres, design teams, contractors, legal and management consultants, and suppliers that engage in capital projects and theatre developments in the UK. It also holds published information on the development, implementation and outcome of theatre building, refurbishment, and restoration projects.
Theatres Trust does not accept any responsibility or liability for information provided and advises that in the course of sourcing any professional services as a result of acting on information provided, the enquirer must satisfy themselves that:
- the firm is capable of delivering the required services;
- they are satisfied with the legal and financial circumstances of the individual or company;
- any liabilities are covered and that procurement processes are being appropriately followed.
In the course of providing information, Theatres Trust seeks to ensure that where appropriate it declares its existing relationships with or any interests in, the theatres or professional firms concerned, for example as Trustees, Advisers, its own contractors, existing and former employees, Corporate Supporters, Friends or relatives.
The Trust welcomes feedback in order that it can improve the quality of information it provides.
This Policy is reviewed on an annual basis.
Policy Information
This policy was last updated in November 2023.
Theatres Trust Freedom of Information Publications Scheme
Introduction
Theatres Trust Publications are available on our website unless otherwise stated. If you need a printed version, you can request a copy by contacting the Trust.
If the information you’re looking for isn’t available, you can still ask if we have it, a request must be made in writing (including by email) to info@theatrestrust.org.uk . Please include as much detail as you can and a response will be made within 20 working days of receipt.
Requests for information will be treated on a case-by-case basis; however, some information may not be available because it falls within one of the exemptions of the Act. When that happens, we will tell you which exemption we consider applies.
Requests for personal data - information about a living individual - are dealt with under the Data Protection Act 2018. If you want to ask whether we hold any personal information about you, you should write to the Trust. You may be required to supply proof of your identity, which should include a photocopy of the identification pages of your current passport or of a current photo driving licence.
The Publication Scheme covers the following classes of information:
- Who we are and what we do
- What we spend and how we spend it
- What our priorities are and how we are doing it
- How we make decisions
- Our policies and procedures
- The activity and services we offer
Paying for information
Publications are all free unless otherwise stated. However, if a request for a printed version of any publication that is available electronically means that we have to do a lot of photocopying or printing, or pay a large postage charge, we will let you know the cost before fulfilling your request. Any costs are payable in advance.
Disclaimer
The Theatres Trust is not liable for the contents, reliability, or availability: of any external internet sites listed, nor does it necessarily endorse any views or services mentioned within them.
Feedback
If you have any comments regarding the structure or content of the Publications Scheme we would be pleased to receive them. Please send your comments (including your name, organisation and contact details) to the Trust:
Theatres Trust
22 Charing Cross Road
London
WC2H 0QL
020 7836 8591
info@theatrestrust.org.uk
Complaints Procedures
If you are dissatisfied with our response to your request for access to either personal or non-personal information, please follow the steps to raise your complaint as outlined on the ICO website or contact the ICO helpline on 0303 123 1113.
Classes of Information
-
Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance.
|
General Information about the Trust |
Theatres Trust Website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/about-us Or By email or post upon written request |
Free
May require a fee |
|
Trustee Information |
Theatres Trust Website |
Free |
|
Staff Information |
Theatres Trust Website |
Free |
|
Minutes AGM |
By email or post upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Constitution |
By email or post upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Contact Details |
Theatres Trust Website |
Free |
2. What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts.
|
Theatres Trust Annual Report |
Theatres Trust Website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/about-us/annual-reports Or By email or post upon written request |
Free
May require a fee |
|
Funding Statement |
Theatres Trust Website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/about-us/how-we-are-funded Or By email or post upon written request |
Free
May require a fee |
|
Accounts and Trustees Annual Report |
Free |
|
|
Tendering and Procurement policies |
Theatres Trust Finance Policy By email or post upon written request |
Free |
3. What our priorities are and how we are doing
Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews
|
Annual Report
|
Theatres Trust website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/about-us/annual-reports Or By post or email upon written request |
Free
May require a fee |
|
Theatres Trust 3 Year Plan |
By email or post upon written request |
May require a fee |
5. How we make decisions
Policy proposals and decisions. Decisions making processes, internal criteria and procedures consultations
|
Responses by the Trust as a Statutory Consultee to planning and/or listing building consent applications |
Theatres Trust website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/planning-responses Or By post or email upon written request |
Free
May require a fee |
|
Responses by the Trust as an NDPB and Statutory Consultee and advisory body on theatres to local, regional and national government or other public body consultations |
Theatres Trust website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/planning-responses Or By post or email upon written request |
Free
May require a fee |
4. Our policies and procedures
Current written protocols for delivering functions and responsibilities
|
Health and Safety Policy |
By post or email upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Privacy Policy |
Theatres Trust website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/privacy-policy
|
Free |
|
Complaints Policy & Procedure |
Theatres Trust website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/complaints-policy
http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/complaints-policy#howtocomplain
|
Free |
|
Publications Scheme |
By email or post upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Environmental Principles Statement |
Theatres Trust website |
Free |
|
Equal Opportunities Policy |
By post or email upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Access to Collections |
Theatres Trust website http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/library-archive |
Free |
|
Collections Criteria Policy |
By post or email upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Customer Service Standards |
By post or email upon written request |
May require a fee |
6. Our activities and services
Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets and a description of services offered
|
Press Releases |
Theatres Trust website |
Free |
|
Theatres Magazine |
By email upon written request |
May require a fee |
|
Newsletter |
By email upon written request |
Free |
|
Theatres Database |
Free |
Last Updated: November 2023