Explanation of Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000:  

• Gives everyone both in and outside the University a right of access to certain information held by the University
• Covers all digital and print records and information held by the University whether current or archived
• Provides exemptions for certain situations where information is not required to be released and should not be released

University of Central Lancashire Publication Scheme:

• To fulfil our obligations under FOI, the University has produced a Publication Scheme
• This details the types of information the University routinely provides to the public and how the public may access the information
• It includes things like the University structure and organisation, its services and procedures, practices, and guidelines
• In addition, the public has had a right to ask for information which is not contained in the University Publication Scheme

You will find the University Publication Scheme on the University website here

The Strategic Development Service is responsible for Freedom of Information : Tel Ext 2561 e-mail dpfoia@uclan.ac.uk

Requests for Information

What does Freedom of Information mean for me?

As an individual you will be entitled to access information from public authorities including from the University of Central Lancashire itself (there may be a small charge)

The University will consider your application and inform you whether or not it is able to provide the information requested within 20 working days of you making the request.  (see further details on the form how to make a request)

How should a request be made

The request must be made in a recorded format e.g. e mail, letter, fax and in exceptional circumstances e.g. individuals with particular disabilities by tape or recorded message

The person requesting the information does not need to state it is an FOI request. All they need to do is to request the information

A request for information may be made to any part of the University from any where in the world

By law the request for information must be answered within 20 working days. Where a valid request for information is received by the University a person is guilty of a criminal offence if he alters, defaces, blocks, erases, destroys or conceals any records held by the University with the intention of disclosure of that information under the Act. 

Individuals making a request and staff of the University need to note that the FOI is not intended to mean that all University information may now be divulged by you. Reasons including data protection, confidentiality, and the commercial interests of the University may still mean that the information is not and should not be released.

The University has created a form to assist individuals to make requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000   This form may be downloaded here.

Related Legislation

The Data Protection Act

Information on the Data Protection Act supplied by the Information Commissioner

Environmental Information Regulations

Information on the Environmental Information Regulations supplied by the Information Commissioner

Email: dpfoia@uclan.ac.uk, Ext 2561