Steve Evans, Director of Corporate Services

Chief Executive’s Office

Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QJ

Tel: 0191 232 8520 Fax: 0191 2115252

www.newcastle.gov.uk

Our Reference: KA

This matter is being dealt with by Katy Ameli 0191 2115241 or email

8 December 2010

Ms Melissa Gordon

Dear Ms Gordon

Re: Freedom of Information – Strategic Human Resources

I refer to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and to your email to this department/office dated 9 November 2010.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, we have formally decided to grant the access to the records requested, which is detailed below.

1.  Does your organisation allocate Certificates of Sponsorship?

Response – Yes, we hold a licence to allocate Certificates of Sponsorship to people we would like to employ/continue to employ within the Council.

2.  If so, how many people are you allowed to hire from outside of the EEA?

Response – The Home Office have advised us that our allocation is zero.

3.  What is the start and end date for the time period which this allocation covers?

Response – This applies from 19 July 2010 until 31 March 2011.

4.  How much of your allocation have you used?

Response – Zero

5.  Can you give me a breakdown of the types of staff that you have issued Certificate of Sponsorship to in the last 12 months from abroad, what countries they have originated from and their current job title.

Response – One certificate has been issued to an employee of Indian origin who is a Children’s Social Worker. This certificate was issued prior to 19 July 2010.

If you are unhappy with our response to your request you can ask for an internal review of our decision. Please send details of your request for review to the following address:

Information Governance Coordinator
Chief Executive’s Directorate
Civic Centre
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2BN
Telephone: 0191 277 7666
E-mail:

If you are still unhappy with how we have handled your request following our internal review you can complain to the Information Commissioner. Contact details are as follows:

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
E-mail:

Yours sincerely

Pam Perry

Head of Strategic HR

OD Division achieved Investors in People in 2004

\\personnelpdc\Corporate\FOI\2010\Melissa Gordon\Covering letter.doc