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Publication scheme
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) requires all public authorities to publish and maintain a Publication Scheme, which is a means of providing access to information which an authority proactively publishes. The Met Office Publication Scheme adopts the model publication scheme as approved by the Information Commissioner's Office.
This publication scheme commits the Met Office to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities. The information covered is included in the classes of information mentioned below, where this information is held by the Met Office.
The scheme is available in PDF (available to download in Adobe Acrobat). If you are unable to access the PDF version a hard copy can be obtained from the Freedom of Information team.
Met Office publication scheme
(PDF, 117 kB)
Classes of information
The seven data classes are shown in the table below:
| 1) Who we are and what we do | Organisational information, locations and contacts, constitutional and legal governance. |
| 2) What we spend and how we spend it | Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, tendering, procurement and contracts. |
| 3) What our priorities are and how we are doing | Strategy and performance information, plans, assessments, inspections and reviews. |
| 4) How we make decisions | Policy proposals and decisions. Decision making processes, internal criteria and procedures, consultations. |
| 5) Our policies and procedures | Current written protocols for delivering our functions and responsibilities. |
| 6) Lists and registers | Information held in registers required by law and other lists and registers relating to the functions of the authority. |
| 7) The services we offer | Advice and guidance, booklets and leaflets, transactions and media releases. A description of the services offered. |
The classes of information will not generally include:
- Information the disclosure of which is prevented by law, or exempt under the Freedom of Information Act, or is otherwise properly considered to be protected from disclosure.
- Information in draft form.
- Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons.
The method by which information published under this scheme will be made available
The Met Office will indicate clearly what information is covered by this scheme and how it can be obtained.
Where it is within the capability of the Met Office, information will be provided on this website. Where it is impracticable to make information available on this website or when an individual does not wish to access the information by the website, a public authority will indicate how information can be obtained by other means and provide it by those means.
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact details will be provided. An appointment to view the information will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held or in such other language that is legally required. Where an authority is legally required to translate any information, it will do so.
Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and any other legislation to provide information in other forms and formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance with this scheme.
Charges which may be made for Information published under this scheme
The purpose of this scheme is to make the maximum amount of information readily available at minimum inconvenience and cost to the public. Charges made by the authority for routinely published material will be justified and transparent and kept to a minimum.
Material which is published and accessed on a website will be provided free of charge. The Met Office Website terms of use tell you how you can make use of material presented on this website.
Charges will be made for information provided under this scheme where indicated. Further information regarding charges is contained in the Met Office's Privacy Policy.
Charges may be made for actual disbursements incurred such as:
- Photocopying
- Postage and packaging
- Costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information
If a charge is to be made, confirmation of the payment due will be given before the information is provided. Payment may be requested prior to provision of the information.
Written requests
Information held by a public authority that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing, when its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
The scheme is available in PDF (available to download in Adobe Acrobat). If you are unable to access the PDF version a hard copy can be obtained from the Freedom of Information Team.
Met Office publication scheme
(PDF, 117 kB)
