Press release: Higher Education meets the challenges of the public's 'right to know'

The survey, a joint initiative by Jisc, Universities UK and SCOP (the Standing Conference of
Principals), show that the overwhelming majority of the requests being
received by institutions are being answered fully, on time and free of
charge.  

The online survey was carried out between mid-October to
mid-November and attracted a response rate of 50% of Universities UK and
SCOP members from within England & Wales. The results highlight the
impact compliance is having on institutions and the resources being
diverted to deal with its requirements, with the evidence suggesting that
the impact of responding to requests is disproportionate to their
quantity.

Over a quarter of those who responded said that an
average of four members of staff are actively involved in responding to any
one request; whilst for over half the requests recorded it has taken
between five and the permitted maximum of twenty working days to complete
them, although such figures possibly refer to elapsed time rather than
hours of continuous activity. However, the survey found that the most
time-consuming aspects of a response procedure included reviewing the
information requested, consideration of any possible exemptions to
disclosure, and locating specific pieces of information within large and
complex organisations.  

The survey results also reveal the high numbers of
requests that institutions are fielding from the press, with journalists
responsible for 45% of those requests where the enquirer could be
identified. Perhaps related to this is the fact that matters pertaining to
the management and administration of institutions top the list of favourite
subject areas. 

The results show that there appears to be no significant
tailing off of use of the Act following an initial surge of interest, as
many had initially predicted. This, compared with a widely reported rise in
the number of requests for personal information received under the
pre-existing data protection legislation, provides a timely reminder for
institutions that the public is becoming increasingly aware of their legal
‘right to know’ and that these rights are here to stay.

Whilst the findings of the survey are a testament to the
openness and accountability which has long characterised the HE sector,
they also reinforce the need for continued efforts to ensure ongoing
compliance. The organisations responsible for the survey have agreed to
continue to support the sector with proposals already underway for a joint
conference in the Spring focusing on compliance issues.

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK,
said:

"This survey shows an impressive speed of
response to FOI requests by HEIs despite the fact that the resources to
deal with them have largely been found from within existing structures.
Despite the inevitable disruption to normal business that FOI requests
bring with them, it is clear that HEIs are open and transparent in their
business and have made provision to ensure that this continues to be the
case."

Dr Malcolm Read,
Executive Secretary of Jisc, welcomed the survey results, saying:

“These results show that while higher education
institutions are having to invest significant resources to ensure
compliance with the Act, they are also discharging their responsibilities
positively and effectively. Jisc looks forward to working with partners
to provide support for them as they continue to do so.”

To find out more about the full results of the survey please go to: FoI survey
results