Audit Review of School of Medicine

Dear Ms Scott

Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Request for Information

Audit Review of the University of Aberdeen School of Medicine

Thank you for your letter, received by the University on 22 June 2009
requesting information about the Audit Review of the School of Medicine
which was referenced in the University Internal Audit Report 2008.

I am writing to advise you that the University of Aberdeen holds the
information you require and is providing the full report unredacted,
insofar as possible. The parts of the report which have been redacted
have not been disclosed for the following reasons. We consider that
these are exempt from disclosure under S 39(i) of the Act which relates to
Health, safety and the environment, and where disclosure under the Act
would, or would be likely to endanger the physical or mental health or
safety of an individual. In stating this exemption, the University has
also considered the Public Interest Test, and it considers that there is
no public interest in this information being released. You will surmise
that the redaction relates to the same one or two sentences repeated
throughout the report. Information in Appendix C referring to the names
of staff interviewed in the Review has also been redacted to reflect the
University's responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1998, however,
the respective job titles are provided. The relevant FOISA exemption is
provided under S 38.

It should also be noted that the audit report represents a continuing
process within the University to improve practices.

I must also bring to your attention that you are free to use any
information supplied by the University for your own use, including for non
commercial research purposes. The information may also be used for the
purposes of news reporting. However, any other type of re-use, for
example, by publishing the information or issuing copies to the public
will require the permission of the copyright owner. Where the copyright
is owned by another person or organisation, you must apply to them for
permission. As indicated on page 5 of the Audit Report, in this case this
is Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Should you be dissatisfied with the University's response under the
Regulations, you have the right to ask the University formally to review
its decision; and if you remain dissatisfied thereafter to complain to the
Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner under the provisions
contained in S.47 of the Freedom of Information (Sc) Act. If you ask the
University to review its decision this will be undertaken by a Lay Member
of the University Court, who has had no previous involvement with your
Request and who will, if required, take advice from individuals who also
have not been involved. Any request for Review must be in writing or
another form capable of preservation, be received not later than 60
working days following the date of your original request, and state the
matter which gives rise to your dissatisfaction. It should be addressed
to Mr B Purdon, Clerk to the University Court, University Office, King's
College, ABERDEEN AB24 3FX.

If you are still not satisfied you will then have the right to complain to
the Scottish Information Commissioner, Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road,
St Andrews, Fife KY16 9DS.

Yours sincerely,

Jennifer Sewel

Acting as Freedom of Information Officer

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