Exemptions

Qualified Exemptions

Requires an application of the Public Interest Test*

Absolute Exemptions

Does not require application of the Public Interest Test *

• Information intended for future publication (in the Publication Scheme or by other means)
• National security and Defence
• International relations
• Relations within the UK
• The economy
• Investigations and proceedings
• Law enforcement
• Audit functions
• Formulation of government policy
• Communications with her Majesty
• Health and safety (to protect the health or safety of individuals)
• Some personal information (where disclosure will not breach the data protection principles or cause distress)
• Legal professional privilege
• Commercial interests (of the College or any organisation/individual; including trade secrets)

• Information accessible by other means (e.g. the Publication Scheme)
• Information supplied by or relating to, bodies dealing with security matters
• Court records
• Parliamentary privilege
• Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs
• Information that constitutes personal data of which the applicant is the data subject (dealt with under Data Protection Act as now)
• Information provided in confidence (where disclosure would be an actionable breach)
• Information whose disclosure is prohibited by law