Following an article published earlier this week by Neil Wilby Media (read in full here), chronicling a freedom of information (FOI) request made last month, a university has resiled from its position that its responses were copyright restricted.
The FOI request, submitted by the author of this article, Neil Wilby, requested disclosure of student numbers and demographic data attaching to two specific degree courses at the University of Huddersfield.
Similar requests were made to seven other universities and colleges in West Yorkshire. All were finalised with very little difficulty and the necessary information disclosed (read more here).
The University of Huddersfield refused the request initially – and included the copyright caveat – and a request for an internal review was made by Neil Wilby.
This was dealt with promptly, and professionally, by the University Secretary, Alison Jones, and a compromise has now been reached: Last year’s data will be disclosed immediately and this year’s data will be disclosed in November, 2024.
It is not considered to be proportionate, or cost effective for any of the three parties involved, to pursue the residual issue with the Information Commissioner’s Office and press for this year’s data to be disclosed now, rather than later this year.
That position is underscored by the way the request, and its aftermath, has been conducted: With diligence, courtesy and respect on all sides.
It is also true to say that it has, albeit unexpectedly, proved to be a valuable learning exercise for its participants.
Who said freedom of informations requests were dull!
Page last updated: Friday 22nd March, 2024 at 1045 hours
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Picture credit: University of Huddersfield
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