Did you know that any information that the University holds, including your emails, memos and letters, could potentially be released to the public as part of an information request under new legislation?
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which comes into full effect on 1 January, aims to improve openness and accountability in public life. It will give everyone the right of access to information held by public authorities, including universities.
The overarching principle is that all information held by the University is accessible upon written request, unless one of the exemptions in the FOI Act applies. The Act applies to all written requests for information.
Experience in other countries that already have similar legislation shows that, over time, the Act is likely to lead to more requests for information, including some that are contentious.
As required by the Act, the University has already produced a Publication Scheme detailing the information that it routinely makes available. See www.sussex.ac.uk/central/ps/.
FOI co-ordinators are being appointed in schools and Administration units. Together with the Records and Information Manager (Secretariat), they will support colleagues who are unsure about handling requests for information.
More information about the Freedom of Information Act will be distributed with the 3 December issue of the Bulletin.
Meanwhile, you are encouraged to book a place on one of the FOI awareness raising sessions. Visit the University FOI web pages at www.sussex.ac.uk/foi to find out more.