IT Print and PC Supplier

The request was partially successful.

Dear MidKent College,

We would be grateful if you could help in answering our request for information for the following questions; answering for A-F on questions 1-8.
a) Photocopiers/MFDs (Multi-Functional Devise)
b) Printers
c) Print room / reprographic
d) Desktops
e) Laptops
f) Displays
Q1. Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1.
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the University?
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product.
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
ii. If Framework, please state which one.
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details.
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.

Yours faithfully,

Matthew Varns

FOI, MidKent College

Dear Mr Varns

 

I write to confirm that your freedom of information request has been
received.

 

Your request has been assigned reference number MKC FOI-00056-20210303.
Please provide this number in all related future correspondence.

 

We will respond to your request in full on, or before, the 31/03/2021.

 

Kind Regards

 

FOI Team

 

FOI, MidKent College

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Varns

 

I write to confirm that your request for information dated 03 March 2021
has been received and processed.

 

Your request has been assigned reference number MKC FOI-00056-20210303.
Please provide this number in all related future correspondence.

 

I can confirm that we do hold the information requested. Our responses to
the questions provided are set out below.

 

Q1. Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy
from.

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |We are unable to provide you with this |
|(Multi-Functional Device) |information section 43(2) of the Freedom of|
| |Information Act, which exempts information |
| |if its disclosure is likely to prejudice |
| |commercial interests. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |This is considered to be commercially |
| |sensitive and as such is exempt from |
| |release under section 43(2) of the FOI Act.|
| |Section 43(2) exempts information whose |
| |disclosure would, or would be likely to, |
| |prejudice the commercial interests of any |
| |person (an individual, a company, the |
| |public authority itself or any other legal |
|----------------------------|entity). |
|b) Printers | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and |
| |we are required to conduct a public |
| |interest test when applying any qualified |
| |exemption. This means that after it has |
| |been decided that the exemption is engaged,|
| |the public interest in releasing the |
| |information must be considered. If the |
| |public interest in disclosing the |
| |information outweighs the public interest |
| |in withholding it then the exemption does |
| |not apply and must be released. In the FOI |
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
|----------------------------|should be released unless there are |
|c) Print room / reprographic|compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has been applied and |
| |concluded that the balance of the public |
| |interest has been found to fall in favour |
| |of withholding information covered by the |
| |section 43(2) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The considerations in favour of the release|
| |of the information include the principle |
| |that there is a public interest in |
|----------------------------|transparency and accountability in |
|d) Desktops |disclosing information held by public |
| |sector organisations, including but not |
| |limited to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being |
| |used in an efficient and effective way. |
| |Furthermore, private sector companies |
| |engaging in commercial activities with the |
| |public sector must expect some information |
| |about those activities to be disclosed. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, considerations against disclosure |
| |included: the recognition that disclosure |
|----------------------------|may cause damage to a suppliers reputation,|
|e) Laptops |reflected by a low spend with that firm, |
| |affecting the suppliers  competitive |
| |position in their respective market and |
| |confidence that its customers, suppliers or|
| |investors may have in its commercial |
| |operations. Release of this information |
| |would negatively impact upon the reputation|
| |and the confidence that suppliers have with|
| |the College and would be likely to deter |
| |potential bidders for future contracts from|
| |competing and sharing commercially |
| |sensitive information with us, which would |
| |negatively impact upon the quality and |
| |quantity of relationships. The College must|
|----------------------------|retain commercial confidence of third-party|
|f) Displays |bidders when they choose to engage in |
| |commercial activities with us. The release |
| |of this information may jeopardise this |
| |commercial confidence. Additionally, |
| |disclosure would prejudice the College’s |
| |ability to obtain quotes in a competitive |
| |market for similar services in future. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, we have determined that it |
| |is not in the public interest to prejudice |
| |our commercial interests, and that of |
| |suppliers. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date,
with the named IT resellers in question 1.

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |We are unable to provide you with this|
|(Multi-Functional Device) |information under two sections of the|
| |Freedom Information Act. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Firstly, section 31(1) (a) of the FOI Act,|
| |which exempts information if its disclosure|
| |is likely to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime. |
| | |
| |Section 31 is a qualified exemption and we|
| |are required to conduct a public interest|
| |test when applying any qualified exemption.|
| |This means that after it has been decided|
| |that the exemption is engaged, the public|
| |interest in releasing the information must|
| |be considered. If the public interest in|
| |disclosing the information outweighs the|
| |public interest in withholding it then the|
| |exemption does not apply, and the|
| |information must be released. In the FOI|
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are|
| |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|The public interest has now been concluded|
|b) Printers |and the balance of the public interest has|
| |been found to fall in favour of withholding|
| |information covered by the section 31(1)|
| |(a) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Considerations in favour of the release of|
| |the information included the principle that|
| |there is a public interest in transparency|
| |and accountability in disclosing|
| |information held by public sector|
| |organisations, including but not limited|
| |to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being|
| |used in an efficient and effective way.  |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, release of this information would|
| |make MidKent College more vulnerable to|
| |crime. The crimes in question here would be|
| |a malicious attack on College’s computer|
| |systems and/or the theft of IT equipment.|
| |As such, release of this information would|
| |be seen to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime by making MidKent|
|----------------------------|College’s computer systems more vulnerable|
|c) Print room / reprographic|to hacking and expose eh College to theft|
| |of branded equipment, therefore|
| |facilitating the possibility of criminal|
| |offences being carried out. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, there is an overwhelming|
| |public interest in keeping education|
| |computer systems secure, which would be|
| |served by non-disclosure. This would|
| |outweigh any benefits of release. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Secondly, this is considered to be |
| |commercially sensitive and as such is |
| |exempt from release under section 43(2) of |
| |the FOI Act. Section 43(2) exempts |
| |information whose disclosure would, or |
| |would be likely to, prejudice the |
| |commercial interests of any person (an |
| |individual, a company, the public authority|
| |itself or any other legal entity). |
| | |
| |  |
|----------------------------| |
|d) Desktops |Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and |
| |we are required to conduct a public |
| |interest test when applying any qualified |
| |exemption. This means that after it has |
| |been decided that the exemption is engaged,|
| |the public interest in releasing the |
| |information must be considered. If the |
| |public interest in disclosing the |
| |information outweighs the public interest |
| |in withholding it then the exemption does |
| |not apply and must be released. In the FOI |
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are |
| |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has been applied and |
| |concluded that the balance of the public |
| |interest has been found to fall in favour |
| |of withholding information covered by the |
| |section 43(2) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The considerations in favour of the release|
|----------------------------|of the information include the principle |
|e) Laptops |that there is a public interest in |
| |transparency and accountability in |
| |disclosing information held by public |
| |sector organisations, including but not |
| |limited to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being |
| |used in an efficient and effective way. |
| |Furthermore, private sector companies |
| |engaging in commercial activities with the |
| |public sector must expect some information |
| |about those activities to be disclosed. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, considerations against disclosure |
| |included: release of this information would|
| |negatively impact upon commercial activity |
| |of the College. The release of this |
| |information would jeopardise the College’s |
| |competitive position against other local |
| |College’s when competing for student |
| |numbers. Release of this information would |
| |also negatively impact upon the reputation |
| |and the confidence that suppliers have with|
| |the College and would be likely to deter |
| |potential bidders for future contracts from|
|----------------------------|competing and sharing commercially |
|f) Displays |sensitive information with us, which would |
| |negatively impact upon the quality and |
| |quantity of relationships. The College must|
| |retain commercial confidence of third-party|
| |bidders when they choose to engage in |
| |commercial activities with us. The release |
| |of this information may jeopardise this |
| |commercial confidence. Additionally, |
| |disclosure would prejudice the College’s |
| |ability to obtain quotes in a competitive |
| |market for similar services in future. |
| |Furthermore, the disclosure would weaken |
| |the position of the providers in a |
| |competitive environment by revealing |
| |business sensitive information of use to |
| |their competitors. In conclusion, we have |
| |determined that it is not in the public |
| |interest to prejudice our commercial |
| |interests. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, we have determined that it |
| |is not in the public interest to prejudice |
| |our commercial interests and that of |
| |suppliers. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |We are unable to provide you with this|
|(Multi-Functional Device) |information under two sections of the|
| |Freedom Information Act. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Firstly, section 31(1) (a) of the FOI Act,|
| |which exempts information if its disclosure|
| |is likely to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime. |
| | |
| |Section 31 is a qualified exemption and we|
| |are required to conduct a public interest|
| |test when applying any qualified exemption.|
| |This means that after it has been decided|
| |that the exemption is engaged, the public|
| |interest in releasing the information must|
| |be considered. If the public interest in|
| |disclosing the information outweighs the|
| |public interest in withholding it then the|
| |exemption does not apply, and the|
| |information must be released. In the FOI|
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are|
| |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|The public interest has now been concluded|
|b) Printers |and the balance of the public interest has|
| |been found to fall in favour of withholding|
| |information covered by the section 31(1)|
| |(a) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Considerations in favour of the release of|
| |the information included the principle that|
| |there is a public interest in transparency|
| |and accountability in disclosing|
| |information held by public sector|
| |organisations, including but not limited|
| |to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being|
| |used in an efficient and effective way.  |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, release of this information would|
| |make MidKent College more vulnerable to|
| |crime. The crimes in question here would be|
| |a malicious attack on College’s computer|
| |systems and/or the theft of IT equipment.|
| |As such, release of this information would|
| |be seen to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime by making MidKent|
|----------------------------|College’s computer systems more vulnerable|
|c) Print room / reprographic|to hacking and expose eh College to theft|
| |of branded equipment, therefore|
| |facilitating the possibility of criminal|
| |offences being carried out. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, there is an overwhelming|
| |public interest in keeping education|
| |computer systems secure, which would be|
| |served by non-disclosure. This would|
| |outweigh any benefits of release. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Secondly, this is considered to be |
| |commercially sensitive and as such is |
| |exempt from release under section 43(2) of |
| |the FOI Act. Section 43(2) exempts |
| |information whose disclosure would, or |
| |would be likely to, prejudice the |
| |commercial interests of any person (an |
| |individual, a company, the public authority|
| |itself or any other legal entity). |
| | |
| |  |
|----------------------------| |
|d) Desktops |Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and |
| |we are required to conduct a public |
| |interest test when applying any qualified |
| |exemption. This means that after it has |
| |been decided that the exemption is engaged,|
| |the public interest in releasing the |
| |information must be considered. If the |
| |public interest in disclosing the |
| |information outweighs the public interest |
| |in withholding it then the exemption does |
| |not apply and must be released. In the FOI |
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are |
| |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has been applied and |
| |concluded that the balance of the public |
| |interest has been found to fall in favour |
| |of withholding information covered by the |
| |section 43(2) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The considerations in favour of the release|
|----------------------------|of the information include the principle |
|e) Laptops |that there is a public interest in |
| |transparency and accountability in |
| |disclosing information held by public |
| |sector organisations, including but not |
| |limited to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being |
| |used in an efficient and effective way. |
| |Furthermore, private sector companies |
| |engaging in commercial activities with the |
| |public sector must expect some information |
| |about those activities to be disclosed. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, considerations against disclosure |
| |included: release of this information would|
| |negatively impact upon commercial activity |
| |of the College. The release of this |
| |information would jeopardise the College’s |
| |competitive position against other local |
| |College’s when competing for student |
| |numbers. Release of this information would |
| |also negatively impact upon the reputation |
| |and the confidence that suppliers have with|
| |the College and would be likely to deter |
| |potential bidders for future contracts from|
|----------------------------|competing and sharing commercially |
|f) Displays |sensitive information with us, which would |
| |negatively impact upon the quality and |
| |quantity of relationships. The College must|
| |retain commercial confidence of third-party|
| |bidders when they choose to engage in |
| |commercial activities with us. The release |
| |of this information may jeopardise this |
| |commercial confidence. Additionally, |
| |disclosure would prejudice the College’s |
| |ability to obtain quotes in a competitive |
| |market for similar services in future. |
| |Furthermore, the disclosure would weaken |
| |the position of the providers in a |
| |competitive environment by revealing |
| |business sensitive information of use to |
| |their competitors. In conclusion, we have |
| |determined that it is not in the public |
| |interest to prejudice our commercial |
| |interests. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, we have determined that it |
| |is not in the public interest to prejudice |
| |our commercial interests and that of |
| |suppliers. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the University?

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |We are unable to provide you with this|
|(Multi-Functional Device) |information under two sections of the|
| |Freedom Information Act. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Firstly, section 31(1) (a) of the FOI Act,|
| |which exempts information if its disclosure|
| |is likely to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime. |
| | |
| |Section 31 is a qualified exemption and we|
| |are required to conduct a public interest|
| |test when applying any qualified exemption.|
| |This means that after it has been decided|
| |that the exemption is engaged, the public|
| |interest in releasing the information must|
| |be considered. If the public interest in|
| |disclosing the information outweighs the|
| |public interest in withholding it then the|
| |exemption does not apply, and the|
| |information must be released. In the FOI|
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are|
|----------------------------|compelling reasons to withhold it. |
|b) Printers | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has now been concluded|
| |and the balance of the public interest has|
| |been found to fall in favour of withholding|
| |information covered by the section 31(1)|
| |(a) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Considerations in favour of the release of|
| |the information included the principle that|
| |there is a public interest in transparency|
| |and accountability in disclosing|
| |information held by public sector|
| |organisations, including but not limited|
| |to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being|
| |used in an efficient and effective way.  |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|However, release of this information would|
|c) Print room / reprographic|make MidKent College more vulnerable to|
| |crime. The crimes in question here would be|
| |a malicious attack on College’s computer|
| |systems and/or the theft of IT equipment.|
| |As such, release of this information would|
| |be seen to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime by making MidKent|
| |College’s computer systems more vulnerable|
| |to hacking and expose eh College to theft|
| |of branded equipment, therefore|
| |facilitating the possibility of criminal|
| |offences being carried out. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, there is an overwhelming|
| |public interest in keeping education|
| |computer systems secure, which would be|
| |served by non-disclosure. This would|
| |outweigh any benefits of release. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|Secondly, this is considered to be |
|d) Desktops |commercially sensitive and as such is |
| |exempt from release under section 43(2) of |
| |the FOI Act. Section 43(2) exempts |
| |information whose disclosure would, or |
| |would be likely to, prejudice the |
| |commercial interests of any person (an |
| |individual, a company, the public authority|
| |itself or any other legal entity). |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and |
| |we are required to conduct a public |
| |interest test when applying any qualified |
| |exemption. This means that after it has |
| |been decided that the exemption is engaged,|
| |the public interest in releasing the |
| |information must be considered. If the |
| |public interest in disclosing the |
| |information outweighs the public interest |
| |in withholding it then the exemption does |
| |not apply and must be released. In the FOI |
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
|----------------------------|should be released unless there are |
|e) Laptops |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has been applied and |
| |concluded that the balance of the public |
| |interest has been found to fall in favour |
| |of withholding information covered by the |
| |section 43(2) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The considerations in favour of the release|
| |of the information include the principle |
| |that there is a public interest in |
| |transparency and accountability in |
| |disclosing information held by public |
| |sector organisations, including but not |
| |limited to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being |
| |used in an efficient and effective way. |
| |Furthermore, private sector companies |
|----------------------------|engaging in commercial activities with the |
|f) Displays |public sector must expect some information |
| |about those activities to be disclosed. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, considerations against disclosure |
| |included: release of this information would|
| |negatively impact upon commercial activity |
| |of the College. The release of this |
| |information would jeopardise the College’s |
| |competitive position against other local |
| |College’s when competing for student |
| |numbers. Additionally, disclosure would |
| |prejudice the College’s ability to obtain |
| |quotes in a competitive market for similar |
| |services in future. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, we have determined that it |
| |is not in the public interest to prejudice |
| |our commercial interests. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |We are unable to provide you with this|
|(Multi-Functional Device) |information under two sections of the|
| |Freedom Information Act. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Firstly, section 31(1) (a) of the FOI Act,|
| |which exempts information if its disclosure|
| |is likely to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime. |
| | |
| |Section 31 is a qualified exemption and we|
| |are required to conduct a public interest|
| |test when applying any qualified exemption.|
| |This means that after it has been decided|
| |that the exemption is engaged, the public|
| |interest in releasing the information must|
| |be considered. If the public interest in|
| |disclosing the information outweighs the|
| |public interest in withholding it then the|
| |exemption does not apply, and the|
| |information must be released. In the FOI|
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are|
|----------------------------|compelling reasons to withhold it. |
|b) Printers | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has now been concluded|
| |and the balance of the public interest has|
| |been found to fall in favour of withholding|
| |information covered by the section 31(1)|
| |(a) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Considerations in favour of the release of|
| |the information included the principle that|
| |there is a public interest in transparency|
| |and accountability in disclosing|
| |information held by public sector|
| |organisations, including but not limited|
| |to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being|
| |used in an efficient and effective way.  |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|However, release of this information would|
|c) Print room / reprographic|make MidKent College more vulnerable to|
| |crime. The crimes in question here would be|
| |a malicious attack on College’s computer|
| |systems and/or the theft of IT equipment.|
| |As such, release of this information would|
| |be seen to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime by making MidKent|
| |College’s computer systems more vulnerable|
| |to hacking and expose eh College to theft|
| |of branded equipment, therefore|
| |facilitating the possibility of criminal|
| |offences being carried out. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, there is an overwhelming|
| |public interest in keeping education|
| |computer systems secure, which would be|
| |served by non-disclosure. This would|
| |outweigh any benefits of release. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|Secondly, this is considered to be |
|d) Desktops |commercially sensitive and as such is |
| |exempt from release under section 43(2) of |
| |the FOI Act. Section 43(2) exempts |
| |information whose disclosure would, or |
| |would be likely to, prejudice the |
| |commercial interests of any person (an |
| |individual, a company, the public authority|
| |itself or any other legal entity). |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and |
| |we are required to conduct a public |
| |interest test when applying any qualified |
| |exemption. This means that after it has |
| |been decided that the exemption is engaged,|
| |the public interest in releasing the |
| |information must be considered. If the |
| |public interest in disclosing the |
| |information outweighs the public interest |
| |in withholding it then the exemption does |
| |not apply and must be released. In the FOI |
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
|----------------------------|should be released unless there are |
|e) Laptops |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has been applied and |
| |concluded that the balance of the public |
| |interest has been found to fall in favour |
| |of withholding information covered by the |
| |section 43(2) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The considerations in favour of the release|
| |of the information include the principle |
| |that there is a public interest in |
| |transparency and accountability in |
| |disclosing information held by public |
| |sector organisations, including but not |
| |limited to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being |
| |used in an efficient and effective way. |
| |Furthermore, private sector companies |
|----------------------------|engaging in commercial activities with the |
|f) Displays |public sector must expect some information |
| |about those activities to be disclosed. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, considerations against disclosure |
| |included: release of this information would|
| |negatively impact upon commercial activity |
| |of the College. The release of this |
| |information would jeopardise the College’s |
| |competitive position against other local |
| |College’s when competing for student |
| |numbers. Additionally, disclosure would |
| |prejudice the College’s ability to obtain |
| |quotes in a competitive market for similar |
| |services in future. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, we have determined that it |
| |is not in the public interest to prejudice |
| |our commercial interests. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend
for each product.

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |We are unable to provide you with this|
|(Multi-Functional Device) |information under two sections of the|
| |Freedom Information Act. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Firstly, section 31(1) (a) of the FOI Act,|
| |which exempts information if its disclosure|
| |is likely to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime. |
| | |
| |Section 31 is a qualified exemption and we|
| |are required to conduct a public interest|
| |test when applying any qualified exemption.|
| |This means that after it has been decided|
| |that the exemption is engaged, the public|
| |interest in releasing the information must|
| |be considered. If the public interest in|
| |disclosing the information outweighs the|
| |public interest in withholding it then the|
| |exemption does not apply, and the|
| |information must be released. In the FOI|
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are|
| |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
|----------------------------|The public interest has now been concluded|
|b) Printers |and the balance of the public interest has|
| |been found to fall in favour of withholding|
| |information covered by the section 31(1)|
| |(a) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Considerations in favour of the release of|
| |the information included the principle that|
| |there is a public interest in transparency|
| |and accountability in disclosing|
| |information held by public sector|
| |organisations, including but not limited|
| |to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being|
| |used in an efficient and effective way.  |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, release of this information would|
| |make MidKent College more vulnerable to|
| |crime. The crimes in question here would be|
| |a malicious attack on College’s computer|
| |systems and/or the theft of IT equipment.|
| |As such, release of this information would|
| |be seen to prejudice the prevention or|
| |detection of crime by making MidKent|
|----------------------------|College’s computer systems more vulnerable|
|c) Print room / reprographic|to hacking and expose eh College to theft|
| |of branded equipment, therefore|
| |facilitating the possibility of criminal|
| |offences being carried out. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, there is an overwhelming|
| |public interest in keeping education|
| |computer systems secure, which would be|
| |served by non-disclosure. This would|
| |outweigh any benefits of release. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |Secondly, this is considered to be |
| |commercially sensitive and as such is |
| |exempt from release under section 43(2) of |
| |the FOI Act. Section 43(2) exempts |
| |information whose disclosure would, or |
| |would be likely to, prejudice the |
| |commercial interests of any person (an |
| |individual, a company, the public authority|
| |itself or any other legal entity). |
| | |
| |  |
|----------------------------| |
|d) Desktops |Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and |
| |we are required to conduct a public |
| |interest test when applying any qualified |
| |exemption. This means that after it has |
| |been decided that the exemption is engaged,|
| |the public interest in releasing the |
| |information must be considered. If the |
| |public interest in disclosing the |
| |information outweighs the public interest |
| |in withholding it then the exemption does |
| |not apply and must be released. In the FOI |
| |Act there is a presumption that information|
| |should be released unless there are |
| |compelling reasons to withhold it. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The public interest has been applied and |
| |concluded that the balance of the public |
| |interest has been found to fall in favour |
| |of withholding information covered by the |
| |section 43(2) exemption. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |The considerations in favour of the release|
|----------------------------|of the information include the principle |
|e) Laptops |that there is a public interest in |
| |transparency and accountability in |
| |disclosing information held by public |
| |sector organisations, including but not |
| |limited to, allowing public scrutiny and to|
| |demonstrate that public funds are being |
| |used in an efficient and effective way. |
| |Furthermore, private sector companies |
| |engaging in commercial activities with the |
| |public sector must expect some information |
| |about those activities to be disclosed. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |However, considerations against disclosure |
| |included: release of this information would|
| |negatively impact upon commercial activity |
| |of the College. The release of this |
| |information would jeopardise the College’s |
| |competitive position against other local |
| |College’s when competing for student |
| |numbers. Release of this information would |
| |also negatively impact upon the reputation |
| |and the confidence that suppliers have with|
| |the College and would be likely to deter |
| |potential bidders for future contracts from|
|----------------------------|competing and sharing commercially |
|f) Displays |sensitive information with us, which would |
| |negatively impact upon the quality and |
| |quantity of relationships. The College must|
| |retain commercial confidence of third-party|
| |bidders when they choose to engage in |
| |commercial activities with us. The release |
| |of this information may jeopardise this |
| |commercial confidence. Additionally, |
| |disclosure would prejudice the College’s |
| |ability to obtain quotes in a competitive |
| |market for similar services in future. |
| |Furthermore, the disclosure would weaken |
| |the position of the providers in a |
| |competitive environment by revealing |
| |business sensitive information of use to |
| |their competitors. In conclusion, we have |
| |determined that it is not in the public |
| |interest to prejudice our commercial |
| |interests. |
| | |
| |  |
| | |
| |In conclusion, we have determined that it|
| |is not in the public interest to prejudice|
| |our commercial interests and that of|
| |suppliers. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework i. Procurement
method ii. If Framework, please state which one.

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |The procurement method depends on the value|
|(Multi-Functional Device) |and the type of purchase/project being |
|----------------------------|undertaken. Where applicable, the College |
|b) Printers |uses the Crescent Purchasing Consortium |
|----------------------------|(CPC) frameworks. Please refer to our |
|c) Print room / reprographic|attached Procurement Policy for further |
|----------------------------|details. |
|d) Desktops | |
|----------------------------| |
|e) Laptops | |
|----------------------------| |
|f) Displays | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?

 

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|a) Photocopiers/MFDs |This depends on the type of purchase and |
|(Multi-Functional Device) |project being undertaken. Typically |
|----------------------------|purchases are made via capital projects and|
|b) Printers |are allocated through central purchasing |
|----------------------------|via the ICT Department. |
|c) Print room / reprographic| |
|----------------------------| |
|d) Desktops | |
|----------------------------| |
|e) Laptops | |
|----------------------------| |
|f) Displays | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?

 

Our overall copying/printing usage for the period 01/04/20 – 31/03/21 is:

 

Copying        =        698,281

Printing         =        1,345,815

 

With regards to the annual spend specific to printing and copying, we do
not hold this information. Our expenditure on printing and copying is
covered within the overall costs for reprographics including leasing,
servicing and scanning as well as printing and copying. 

 

We have considered whether it is appropriate to provide the overall cost
for reprographics. This is considered to be commercially sensitive and as
such is exempt from release under section 43(2) of the FOI Act. Section
43(2) exempts information whose disclosure would, or would be likely to,
prejudice the commercial interests of any person (an individual, a
company, the public authority itself or any other legal entity).

 

Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and we are required to conduct a
public interest test when applying any qualified exemption. This means
that after it has been decided that the exemption is engaged, the public
interest in releasing the information must be considered. If the public
interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in
withholding it then the exemption does not apply and must be released. In
the FOI Act there is a presumption that information should be released
unless there are compelling reasons to withhold it.

 

The public interest has been applied and concluded that the balance of the
public interest has been found to fall in favour of withholding
information covered by the section 43(2) exemption.

 

The considerations in favour of the release of the information include the
principle that there is a public interest in transparency and
accountability in disclosing information held by public sector
organisations, including but not limited to, allowing public scrutiny and
to demonstrate that public funds are being used in an efficient and
effective way. Furthermore, private sector companies engaging in
commercial activities with the public sector must expect some information
about those activities to be disclosed.

 

However, release of this information would negatively impact upon the
reputation and the confidence that suppliers have with the College when
providing services. Additionally, disclosure would prejudice the College’s
ability to obtain quotes in a competitive market for similar services in
future. Furthermore, the disclosure would weaken the position of the
providers in a competitive environment by revealing business sensitive
information of use to their competitors.

 

In conclusion, we have determined that it is not in the public interest to
prejudice our commercial interests.

 

Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the
MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their
title and their contact details.

 

This is personally identifiable information. We are not obliged, under
section 40(2) of the Act, to provide information that is the personal
information of another person if releasing would contravene any of the
provisions in the UK GDPR. In this instance we believe that the release of
this information would contravene the first data protection principle and
therefore section 40 (2) is engaged. The terms of this exemption in the
Freedom of Information Act mean that we do not have to consider whether or
not it would be in the public interest for you to have the information.

 

Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops,
desktops, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their
contact details.

 

This is personally identifiable information. We are not obliged, under
section 40(2) of the Act, to provide information that is the personal
information of another person if releasing would contravene any of the
provisions in the UK GDPR. In this instance we believe that the release of
this information would contravene the first data protection principle and
therefore section 40 (2) is engaged. The terms of this exemption in the
Freedom of Information Act mean that we do not have to consider whether or
not it would be in the public interest for you to have the information.

 

Please note that the response documentation should not be copied,
reproduced or used except in accordance with the law of copyright.

 

Right to Complain

 

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request or the decision
which has been reached, you have the right to ask for an internal
review. Internal review requests should be addressed to
[1][email address]. 

 

You have the right to ask the Information Commissioner (ICO) to
investigate any aspect of your complaint. Information on how to do this is
available at [2]http://ico.org.uk/complaints. However, please note that
the ICO is likely to expect internal complaints procedures to have been
exhausted before beginning their investigation.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Georgia Harvey

Information Security Officer

 

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://ico.org.uk/complaints