Dear Ben

I acknowledge receipt of your email/letter received by this office on 15
May 2017 in which you requested information regarding Learning Outcomes. 

Your request will now be dealt with under the Freedom of Information Act
2000 and has been allocated reference FOI17-142 which should be quoted in
all correspondence. We will respond to your request within 20 working days
starting the next working day after receipt, therefore you can expect to
receive a response no later than 13 June 2017.

Where we consider that we will not be able to meet this deadline or if
further time is required to consider the public interest test we will
contact you as soon as possible and give you a revised date for response.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and, if that is the case, we
will let you know. A fees notice will be issued to you, and you will be
required to pay before we will proceed to deal with your request.

Yours sincerely

Alison

Alison Preece   Alison Preece
Equality and Diversity Officer   Swyddog Cydraddoldeb ac Amrywiaeth

 
Strategic Planning & Governance   Adran Gynllunio Strategol a
Llywodraethu
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
2nd Floor, Friary House   Llawr 2, Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
CF10 3AE   CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 208 79919   Ffon: 029 208 79919
E-mail: [1][email address]   E-bost: [2][email address]

We welcome correspondence in Welsh Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth trwy’r
or English Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Evans,

I am writing in response to your Freedom of Information request received
by this office on 15 May 2017 in which you requested information regarding
Medical School Learning Outcomes. I reproduce your questions below for
ease of reference.

I would like to request all 'Learning Outcomes' or structured learning
objectives given to medical students in Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and or 6.

This may be limited to a handbook or may be structured pdf documents that
are given for each module, where applicable both are requested.

Having considered your request I can advise that the time involved in
searching for and providing the information you have requested would
exceed the time limit (18 hours) allowed under the Freedom of Information
and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004. 
Accordingly section 12(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 will
apply.

To explain further, all medical schools have a duty to follow a curriculum
that incorporates all of the learning outcomes as defined by the General
Medical Council. These learning outcomes are publicly available via the
following link:

[1]http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/undergra...

Those outcomes are interpreted to create and develop our programme,
further details of which can be found on our A100 Medicine course
information pages at:

[2]http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergrad...

The learning outcomes are thus diffuse throughout the curriculum and are
included in theme outcomes, overall clinical placement learning outcomes,
and within each placement case there would be learning outcomes also. The
University is currently undertaking work to bring all of the outcomes into
a searchable database however this work is in the early stages and it is
anticipated that it will take a number of years to fully complete. As such
we are not able to provide all learning outcomes or learning objectives
for the years stated within the 18 hours allowable under the Act.

In addition to the above it is also considered that providing the
information requested even if the fees exemption did not apply, would
engage the exemption under section 43(2) of the FOI Act entitled
Commercial Interests. This exemption applies where disclosure would, or
would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of the public
authority or a third party. In this case it is considered that the
commercial interest of the University would likely be prejudiced by
disclosure of this information.

In the last number of years changes to University funding structures have
meant that Universities are now reliant on course fees to provide the bulk
of their income. As such there is increased competition to attract
students and a significant part of this attraction will be the content of
the course. Such courses are developed using skilled judgement and
expertise and this is reflected in the course materials that are provided
to students once they meet the admissions criteria and commence on the
course. The course materials, including the more granular leaning outcomes
contained within, have been developed to provide the student with a robust
platform on which to undertake their studies and represent a key aspect of
the offer. Disclosure of this material into the wider public domain would
enable other providers, both public and private, national and
international, to effectively develop their own matching syllabus which
would undermine the uniqueness of Cardiff University’s offer. The
Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) has recognised that Universities
are in competition with each other and clearly disclosure of this material
would undermine our competitive position. There is a clear distinction to
be made between providing the material to students who have paid to
undertake a course and disclosure of this material into the wider public
domain for public consumption.

In order to apply the exemption under Section 43(2) required that a public
interest test be carried out. This is considered as follows:

Public Interest Test

Factors in favour of disclosure

It is in the public interest that information is disclosed by public
authorities that enables transparency and informs public debate.

Factors in favour of non-disclosure       

It is not in the public interest to disclose information that would have
the effect of distorting the market by making available material that is a
key element of the University’s offer to students and which would
prejudice its competitive position if disclosed. 

It is not in the public interest to disclose information that would allow
competitors to use the materials disclosed to develop their own offers and
undermine the investment that the University has placed in formulating
such materials.

It is considered that the material available on the GMC website and
University website regarding learning outcomes satisfies the public
interest requirement for transparency in this area and on balance the
public interested is weighted in favour of non-disclosure of the
information requested at this time.

I trust this information satisfies your enquiry.  The University has a
Freedom of Information Complaints Procedure should you feel dissatisfied
with this response or the way in which your request was handled.
Complaints must be made in writing and must set out why you believe the
University has not met its obligations under the Freedom of Information
Act.  You may email your complaint to [3][email address] where
it will be forwarded to the Director of Strategic Planning and Governance
who will be responsible for overseeing the review.

If you remain dissatisfied following the outcome of your complaint, you
have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for
consideration.  The Information Commissioner can be contacted at the
following address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House,
Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in
Cardiff University. If you require further assistance please feel free to
contact me.

Yours sincerely

Matt Cooper   Matt Cooper
Information Rights Manager   Rheolwr Hawliau Gwybodaeth
Strategic Planning and Governance   Cynllunio a Llywodraethu Strategol
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 2087 5466   Ffon: 029 2087 5466
Fax: 029 2087 4478   Ffacs: 029 2087 4478
E-mail:   E-bost: [5][email address]
[4][email address]
 
 
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth trwy’r
We welcome correspondence in Welsh Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg
or English
 
 
 

show quoted sections

Dear Ben

I acknowledge receipt of your Freedom of Information Act Complaint
received by this office on 14th June 2017.

Your complaint has been referred to the Director of Strategic Planning and
Governance, Ms A Verhamme, who will aim to respond to your request within
20 working days starting the day after receipt. Therefore you can expect
to receive a response no later than 13th July 2017.

In some circumstances we may not be able to meet this deadline and if this
is likely to be the case we will contact you as soon as possible and give
you a revised date for response.

Yours sincerely

Steve Moss   Steve Moss
Administrator   Gweinyddwr
Strategic Planning and Governance   Cynllunio a Llywodraethu Strategol
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
Tel: 029 208 70338   Ffon: 029 208 70338
E-mail:   E-bost: [2][email address]
[1][email address]
 
 
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth trwy’r
We welcome correspondence in Welsh Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg
or English
 
 
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ben Evans <[FOI #406739 email]>
Sent: 14 June 2017 02:45
To: InfoRequest
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Medical
School Learning Outcomes
 
Dear Cardiff University,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of Cardiff University's
handling of my FOI request 'Medical School Learning Outcomes'.

I don't believe the university have acted in good faith in processing this
request. The learning outcomes will be contained in a self contained pdf
document divided in to different modules. Uploading these files will not
take more than 18 hours.

As to trade secret, a number of different universities have already
released this exact information that you are claiming is commercially
sensitive. I do not believe this passes the test of commercially viable as
it will not prejudice your practice nor operation nor affect your finances
were it to be published. It is also already given to hundreds of Medical
students each year without proviso or warning.

I have already referred this issue from other universities to the
Information commissioner. I will not hesitate to do likewise here.

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[3]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...

Yours faithfully,

Ben Evans

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #406739 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[4]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/offi...

For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[5]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/ico-...

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

References

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1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...
4. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/offi...
5. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/ico-...

Dear Ben

Further to our email dated 14^th June 2017, we are still considering your
Freedom of Information Act Complaint. Unfortunately, we will not be able
to provide you with an outcome by the date which was previously stated,
and it is estimated that a further 10 working days is required to full
consider your complaint. Therefore you can expect to receive a response no
later than 27th July 2017. Please accept our apologies for this delay and
for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards,

Steve Moss   Steve Moss
 
Strategic Planning & Governance   Adran Cynllunio Strategol a
Llywodraethu
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 208 70338   Ffon: 029 208 70338
E-mail: [1][email address]   E-bost: [2][email address]
 

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English - Rydym yn croesawu
gohebiaeth trwy’r Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg

The Data Protection Act is changing! To find out more join the GDPR Yammer
Group [3]here

Mae'r Ddeddf Diogelu Data yn cael ei disodli! I gael gwybod rhagor,
dilynwch Grŵp Yammer GDPR drwy glicio [4]yma

From: InfoRequest
Sent: 14 June 2017 11:31
To: Ben Evans <[FOI #406739 email]>
Subject: FOI17-142 MEDIC Learning Outcomes

Dear Ben

I acknowledge receipt of your Freedom of Information Act Complaint
received by this office on 14th June 2017.

Your complaint has been referred to the Director of Strategic Planning and
Governance, Ms A Verhamme, who will aim to respond to your request within
20 working days starting the day after receipt. Therefore you can expect
to receive a response no later than 13th July 2017.

In some circumstances we may not be able to meet this deadline and if this
is likely to be the case we will contact you as soon as possible and give
you a revised date for response.

Yours sincerely

Steve Moss   Steve Moss
Administrator   Gweinyddwr
Strategic Planning and Governance   Cynllunio a Llywodraethu Strategol
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     

Tel: 029 208 70338 Ffon: 029 208 70338
E-mail:   E-bost: [6][email address]
[5][email address]
 
 
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth trwy’r
We welcome correspondence in Welsh Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg
or English
 
 
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ben Evans <[7][FOI #406739 email]>
Sent: 14 June 2017 02:45
To: InfoRequest
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Medical
School Learning Outcomes

Dear Cardiff University,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of Cardiff University's
handling of my FOI request 'Medical School Learning Outcomes'.

I don't believe the university have acted in good faith in processing this
request. The learning outcomes will be contained in a self contained pdf
document divided in to different modules. Uploading these files will not
take more than 18 hours.

As to trade secret, a number of different universities have already
released this exact information that you are claiming is commercially
sensitive. I do not believe this passes the test of commercially viable as
it will not prejudice your practice nor operation nor affect your finances
were it to be published. It is also already given to hundreds of Medical
students each year without proviso or warning.

I have already referred this issue from other universities to the
Information commissioner. I will not hesitate to do likewise here.

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[8]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...

Yours faithfully,

Ben Evans

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[9][FOI #406739 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[10]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/offi...

For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[11]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/ico-...

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.yammer.com/cardiff.ac.uk/#/t...
4. https://www.yammer.com/cardiff.ac.uk/#/t...
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[FOI #406739 email]
8. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...
9. mailto:[FOI #406739 email]
10. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/offi...
11. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/ico-...

Dear Mr Evans

Further to our email below, the review remains ongoing and we will provide
a full response to you in due course. However, it has been noted from
further correspondence on this topic made by you to other Universities via
the “What do they know” website that you are particularly interested in
learning outcomes for anatomy. This clearly narrows down the scope of your
request and may be achievable within the 18 hour fees limit. I’d be
grateful if you would indicate whether this is indeed your focus of
interest prior to us investigating the possibility of providing
information in this area.

Yours sincerely

Alison

Alison Preece   Alison Preece
Equality and Diversity Officer   Swyddog Cydraddoldeb ac Amrywiaeth

 
Strategic Planning & Governance   Adran Gynllunio Strategol a
Llywodraethu
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
2nd Floor, Friary House   Llawr 2, Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
CF10 3AE   CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 208 79919   Ffon: 029 208 79919
E-mail: [1][email address]   E-bost: [2][email address]

We welcome correspondence in Welsh Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth trwy’r
or English Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg

From: InfoRequest
Sent: 12 July 2017 16:48
To: Ben Evans <[FOI #406739 email]>
Subject: RE: FOI17-142 MEDIC Learning Outcomes

Dear Ben

Further to our email dated 14^th June 2017, we are still considering your
Freedom of Information Act Complaint. Unfortunately, we will not be able
to provide you with an outcome by the date which was previously stated,
and it is estimated that a further 10 working days is required to full
consider your complaint. Therefore you can expect to receive a response no
later than 27th July 2017. Please accept our apologies for this delay and
for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards,

Steve Moss   Steve Moss
 
Strategic Planning & Governance   Adran Cynllunio Strategol a
Llywodraethu
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 208 70338   Ffon: 029 208 70338
E-mail: [3][email address]     E-bost: [4][email address]

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English - Rydym yn croesawu
gohebiaeth trwy’r Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg

The Data Protection Act is changing! To find out more join the GDPR Yammer
Group [5]here

Mae'r Ddeddf Diogelu Data yn cael ei disodli! I gael gwybod rhagor,
dilynwch Grŵp Yammer GDPR drwy glicio [6]yma

From: InfoRequest
Sent: 14 June 2017 11:31
To: Ben Evans <[7][FOI #406739 email]>
Subject: FOI17-142 MEDIC Learning Outcomes

Dear Ben

I acknowledge receipt of your Freedom of Information Act Complaint
received by this office on 14th June 2017.

Your complaint has been referred to the Director of Strategic Planning and
Governance, Ms A Verhamme, who will aim to respond to your request within
20 working days starting the day after receipt. Therefore you can expect
to receive a response no later than 13th July 2017.

In some circumstances we may not be able to meet this deadline and if this
is likely to be the case we will contact you as soon as possible and give
you a revised date for response.

Yours sincerely

Steve Moss   Steve Moss
Administrator   Gweinyddwr
Strategic Planning and Governance   Cynllunio a Llywodraethu Strategol
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     

Tel: 029 208 70338 Ffon: 029 208 70338
E-mail:   E-bost: [9][email address]
[8][email address]
 
 
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth trwy’r
We welcome correspondence in Welsh Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg
or English
 
 
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ben Evans <[10][FOI #406739 email]>
Sent: 14 June 2017 02:45
To: InfoRequest
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Medical
School Learning Outcomes

Dear Cardiff University,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of Cardiff University's
handling of my FOI request 'Medical School Learning Outcomes'.

I don't believe the university have acted in good faith in processing this
request. The learning outcomes will be contained in a self contained pdf
document divided in to different modules. Uploading these files will not
take more than 18 hours.

As to trade secret, a number of different universities have already
released this exact information that you are claiming is commercially
sensitive. I do not believe this passes the test of commercially viable as
it will not prejudice your practice nor operation nor affect your finances
were it to be published. It is also already given to hundreds of Medical
students each year without proviso or warning.

I have already referred this issue from other universities to the
Information commissioner. I will not hesitate to do likewise here.

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[11]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...

Yours faithfully,

Ben Evans

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[12][FOI #406739 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[13]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/offi...

For more detailed guidance on safely disclosing information, read the
latest advice from the ICO:
[14]https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/ico-...

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. https://www.yammer.com/cardiff.ac.uk/#/t...
6. https://www.yammer.com/cardiff.ac.uk/#/t...
7. mailto:[FOI #406739 email]
8. mailto:[email address]
9. mailto:[email address]
10. mailto:[FOI #406739 email]
11. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/m...
12. mailto:[FOI #406739 email]
13. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/offi...
14. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/ico-...

Dear Mr Evans,

As you will be aware we are undertaking an internal review of our response
to your initial request. In light of your recent email containing further
clarification on the information which you require as reproduced below,
further discussions are taking place in the School of Medicine and work is
ongoing to consider this narrowed request. Unfortunately we are now into
the period where a number of staff are away from the University on leave
so this is taking longer than anticipated, for which we apologise.

As such we will require further time to finalise out response to your
complaint and anticipate providing you with a full response by Friday 4th
August 2017. I would like to apologise for this further delay.

Yours sincerely

Matt Cooper   Matt Cooper
Information Rights Manager   Rheolwr Hawliau Gwybodaeth
Strategic Planning & Governance   Adran Cynllunio Strategol a
Llywodraethu
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 208 75466   Ffon: 029 208 75466
E-mail: [1][email address]   E-bost: [2][email address]
 

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English - Rydym yn croesawu
gohebiaeth trwy’r Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg

The Data Protection Act is changing! To find out more join the GDPR Yammer
Group [3]here

Mae'r Ddeddf Diogelu Data yn cael ei disodli! I gael gwybod rhagor,
dilynwch Grŵp Yammer GDPR drwy glicio [4]yma

show quoted sections

Dear Ben

Please find attached the response to your FOI complaint from Catrin
Morgan, Head of Assurance on behalf of Anna Verhamme, Director of
Strategic Planning and Governance. Please also find attached further
information pertinent to your revised request, as outlined in our response
letter.

Yours sincerely

Matt Cooper   Matt Cooper
Information Rights Manager   Rheolwr Hawliau Gwybodaeth
Strategic Planning & Governance   Adran Cynllunio Strategol a
Llywodraethu
Cardiff University   Prifysgol Caerdydd
Friary House   Friary House
Greyfriars Road   Heol y Brodyr Llwydion
Cardiff CF10 3AE   Caerdydd CF10 3AE
     
Tel: 029 208 75466   Ffon: 029 208 75466
E-mail: [1][email address]   E-bost: [2][email address]
 

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English - Rydym yn croesawu
gohebiaeth trwy’r Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg

The Data Protection Act is changing! To find out more join the GDPR Yammer
Group [3]here

Mae'r Ddeddf Diogelu Data yn cael ei disodli! I gael gwybod rhagor,
dilynwch Grŵp Yammer GDPR drwy glicio [4]yma

show quoted sections