Information Available

Classes of Information
In deciding which Classes of Information to publish the MOD has had regard to information already in the public domain; information which has been the subject of requests from members of the public; information which has not previously been released on a general basis but is thought to be of public interest; and feedback received from the pilot MOD Publication Scheme which was launched on the internet in February 2002.

An alphabetical list of the Classes of Information is provided here. Relevant parts of the organisation will publish the information that falls within these Classes.

Classes of Information - NDPBs
As noted above, the NDPBs affiliated to MOD are included within the MOD Publication Scheme although they are separate public authorities under the terms of the Act:

Identification of the Classes of Information relevant to the NDPBs can be found here

Organisation of information
In addition to being attributed to a Class of Information, material is organised by reference to the following nine broad subject categories:

• Defence Policy
  Information about the UK’s defence policy and strategy, our capabilities, relationship with Allies, other countries, Parliament and other Government departments, and legislation that we sponsor or in which we have a primary interest.

• The Armed Forces and Their Activities
  Information about the RN, Army, RAF and their reserve forces; including their organisation, capability and equipment, the conduct of operations and training, and the strategic and political framework within which these are undertaken.

• Personnel
  Information about policy and practice concerning serving and former personnel – military and civilian – including numbers, terms and conditions of service recruitment, pay, rewards, training, welfare and health.

• Buying and Supporting Equipment and Services
  Information about the equipment and services we buy including logistic support arrangements and policy and plans for the replacement or acquisition of equipment and services.

• Sales and Export Support
  Information about the sale of MOD land, equipment, services and information, and the support provided to British Industry.

• Finance and Resource Accounting
  Information about financial and accounting policy and management systems, budget and investment plans.

• Planning and Performance Management
  Information about management and planning, targets, incentives, performance and initiatives for promoting efficiency and good practice.

• Research, Science and Technology
  Information about research conducted on behalf of MOD including equipment, medical and academic research work.

• Supporting Services and Infrastructure
  Information about other supporting activities and infrastructure including the defence estate, security, contingency planning, the MOD Police, communications, information use and management, safety, health, environment and fire.

Exempt information

The Act establishes a right of access to information, subject to specified exemptions. Where an exemption is considered to apply to part of a document within a Class of Information, the relevant text will be omitted and an exemption will be cited. The exemptions most likely to apply relate to personal data (e.g. the names of staff), national security, defence or international relations. A full list of exemptions can be found at http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00036--e.htm

Searching for information on the Internet site

The search engine allows users to find information by selecting or entering

• one of the nine categories of information; and/or
• an organisational area; and/or
• a type of information; and/or
• the date of information; and /or
• a keyword or phrase (which can be a Class of Information)

The results of the search will then show the following information:

• title of document;
• the format in which it is available;
• where appropriate, a link to the web page hosting the information ;
• where information is not available electronically, guidance on how to obtain a copy;
• whether there is a charge for the information.

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