Freedom of Information

What is the Freedom of Information Process?

The University’s Freedom of Information Office (FOI Office) is responsible for assisting students, staff and the general public in exercising their rights under the Freedom of Information Act, which was extended to the University sector in 2001 and which is now governed by the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

This means that apart from information already published or otherwise available, individuals may apply under the FOI Act 2014 to the University:

-for access to university records retrospectively to the date the original FOI Act was implemented, which was 21 April 1998;

-for access to records that contain personal information about them irrespective of when created;

-for access to their own personnel records created since 21 April 1995;

-to have made known to them the reasons for decisions made by the university that have materially affected them. This right is effective from 22nd October 2001.

Under the Act, a record includes any papers, memorandum, text or other document, any photograph, film or recording or any form in which data are held (whether manual, mechanical or electronic), and anything that is a part or a copy, or a combination of the foregoing.

The FOI request is made by the individual to the FOI Office which then clarifies the scope of the request and identifies the relevant office in the University which may be the holder of the records requested. A search is performed by the relevant Unit. Records are examined in light of the provisions in the legislation and a decision, together with any records being released, is communicated to the requester within the timelines specified in the legislation.

Training on applying the FOI legislation is made available to relevant staff.

Further Information