Freedom of information

The Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) came into force in January 2005 to improve the public understanding of the operation, decision-making and expenditure of public authorities such as the University. The intended aim is to promote a culture of understanding and accountability. FOI provides members of the public with the right to be informed whether a public authority hold particular information, as well as providing the right to have access to the information, subject to any exemptions.

The University is obliged to publish some information via a publication scheme which has been approved by the Information Commissioners office and which followed the model publication scheme designed for the Higher Education Sector. Where information is required, but it is not already on the publication scheme, members of the public have the right to write to us requesting the information.

Please use these pages to learn more about the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and accessing information from Northumbria University

Freedom of Information Policy

Freedom of Information Act – The Basics

Anyone can apply for information from anywhere in the world (not limited to the UK)
All requests must be made in writing. Any request made over the phone will be asked to be submitted in writing
Requests for information do need not specifically state “Freedom Of information Request” to be valid requests – But it helps!
Requests are made blind – why the information is requested is not the concern of the University
Anyone employed by the University may receive a Freedom of Information request – they should all be forwarded to the Records and Information Manager
All requests must be responded to within 20 days of receipt
Some information relating to the environment may fall under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004

Personal Data

Request for information that involve "personal data" relating to you or another identifiable living individual may be exempt from disclosure under Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act.

If you would like to request a copy of any data held by the University about you, or about someone who you are acting on behalf of, you may submit a Data Subject Access Request.