Freedom of Information Act Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Allied Pharmacies' Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme. This scheme has been designed to provide easy access to information about Allied Pharmacies Limited and other entities in our group (Allied Pharmacies) in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). As a leading healthcare provider, we are committed to transparency and accountability, and this publication scheme is one of the ways we fulfil our obligations under the law.

Under the FOIA, all public authorities are required to have and operate a publication scheme approved by the Information Commissioner. Those providing pharmaceutical services under contract to the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales are considered to be public authorities in respect of information relating to those services.

The Act gives you the right to request information held by public authorities, including Allied Pharmacies. Through this publication scheme, we aim to proactively provide information that is frequently requested, ensuring it is readily available to all members of the public.

It is the intention of the Information Commissioner that all public authorities should adopt and operate the model scheme that has been approved. This is a general scheme based on the principle that all public authorities need to recognise the public interest in the transparency of the services provided for, and paid for by, the general public. It is a commitment to make information easily available to the public.

Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to the information we make available and how to access it. We have organised the information into different categories to help you navigate through the scheme easily. Please note that some information may be exempt from disclosure under the Act, but we will strive to provide as much information as possible within the legal framework.

Information Available Under the Freedom of Information Act Model Publication Scheme

Class 1 - Who We Are and What We Do

Organisational Information, Structures, Locations, and Contacts

Available on our website at Allied Pharmacies Website

Cost: Free

Company/Pharmacy Background

For Allied Pharmacies, our company registered address is:

Allied Pharmacies, Unit 18, Bold Industrial Park, St. Helens, Merseyside WA9 4TU

Further information regarding our wider group can be found on the Companies House Website.

Cost: Free

Contact Details for the FOI Publication Scheme Team

Email: damian.ryder@alliedpharmacies.com

Address: Allied Pharmacies, Unit 18, Bold Industrial Park, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA9 4TU

Cost: Free

Details of Those Providing NHS-Funded Services

For Allied Pharmacies, you can find details of the different services we offer and the locations where we offer them on our website.

Cost: Free

Class 2 - What We Spend and How We Spend It

Financial Information Relating to Projected and Actual Income and Expenditure, Procurement, Contracts, and Financial Audit

Information in this class will be published only where it does not and is not likely to adversely affect the commercial position of the company.

Total cost to the NHS and other public sector organisations to which we provide our contracted services.

This information can be found in our company accounts, which can be accessed via Companies House.

Cost: Free

Class 3 - What Our Priorities Are and How We Are Doing

Strategies and Plans, Performance Indicators, Audits, Inspections, and Reviews

Plans for the provision of NHS and other public sector services:

Please contact Damian Ryder via email damian.ryder@alliedpharmacies.com

Cost: Free

Inspection Reports by Regulators, or Links to the Reports

For Allied Pharmacies, see the General Pharmaceutical Council website for inspection reports: www.pharmacyregulation.org

Cost: Free

Class 4 - How We Make Decisions

Decision-Making Processes and Records of Decisions

Records of decisions made in the business affecting the provision of NHS and other public sector services.

Not available.

Class 5 - Our Policies and Procedures

Current Written Protocols, Policies, and Procedures for Delivering Our Services and Responsibilities

Policies and procedures for conducting business and delivering services:

Available on our website at Allied Pharmacies Website

Cost: Free

Internal Instructions to Staff and Policies Relating to the Delivery of Services

Not available.

Policies and Procedures About Recruitment and Employment of Staff

Allied Pharmacies is an equal opportunities employer. Further information is available on our website.

Cost: Free

Equality and Diversity Policy

We treat all of our customers equally and fairly. Further information is available on our website.

Cost: Free

Health and Safety Policy

We seek to comply with health and safety law and requirements at all times.

Complaints Procedures Including Those Covering Requests for Information and Operating the Publication Scheme

For more information, please contact Damian Ryder via email at damian.ryder@alliedpharmacies.com

Cost: Free

Records Management Policies (Records Retention, Destruction, and Archive)

We seek to manage records in accordance with the Data Protection Legislation (such as the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018) and NHS Information Governance requirements.

Cost: Free

Confidentiality and Data Protection Policies

Available on our website at Allied Pharmacies Website

Cost: Free

Policies and Procedures for Handling Requests for Information

Available on our website at Allied Pharmacies Website

Cost: Free

Class 6 - Lists and Registers

Any Publicly Available Register or List

None held.

Class 7 - The Services We Offer

Information About the Services We Offer, Including Leaflets, Guidance, and Newsletters Produced for the Public

The services provided under contract to the NHS and to other public authorities.

You can find details of the different services we offer and the locations where we offer them on our website at Allied Pharmacies Website

Cost: Free

Charges for Any of These Services

Available at stores or the service commissioner.

Subject to local variation.

Information Leaflets

Specific information is available at stores.

Cost: Free

Out of Hours Arrangements

Specific information is available at stores.

Cost: Free

Contact Information

For any questions, feedback, or assistance regarding the Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme or any other matter, please contact:

Damian Ryder, Freedom of Information Officer

Email: damian.ryder@alliedpharmacies.com

Address: Allied Pharmacies, Unit 18, Bold Industrial Park, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA9 4TU

Allied Pharmacies is committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability, and we will regularly review and update this publication scheme to ensure it remains comprehensive and accessible. We believe that by providing easy access to information, we can foster trust and confidence in our services.

Shape

This policy document is intended to provide clear guidelines on how Allied Pharmacies will handle Freedom of Information requests in compliance with the FOIA. It should be disseminated to all relevant personnel and made available to the public upon request.

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Call us on 01744 813306

pharmacy.services@alliedpharmacies.com

Allied Pharmacies, Unit 18, Bold Industrial Park Neills Road, St Helens Merseyside, WA9 4TU