FOI/EIR: How to request information

Are you looking for printed brochures and leaflets?

Contact: communications@reading.ac.uk

Are you a journalist?

Contact: pressoffice@reading.ac.uk

If not, follow the 4 steps listed below:

Step 1 Check the information is not already published via the University's publication scheme

Step 2 Check the information is not already published via the University's website.

Step 3 If you wish to make a request for personal information under the Data Protection Act please see the Accessing your personal data page.

Step 4 If you wish to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act or Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) either download and complete a request form - FOIA/EIR request form (PDF-82KB) or FOIA/EIR request form (Word-73KB) - or contact us via email or letter stating the following:

• your name and an address for correspondence
• clearly what information is required
• where it may help clarify, outlining the reason for the request

If you require the information that you request to be supplied in a special format, for example in Braille, audio or large type, please state this in your application.

If you are still not sure whom to direct your request to, or have a query regarding the Freedom of Information Act or Environmental Information Regulations, you should contact us.

If a member of staff does not understand your request when they receive it, they will contact you to clarify what it is that you want. The 20 working day time limit for responses will be suspended until clarification is received.

There may be a fee payable for complying with your request and you will be informed if a fee is payable. In this event the fee must be paid before the information is processed and released. The 20 working day time limit for responses will be suspended until receipt of the payment. If payment is not received within 3 months the University will not be required to comply with the request.

The Freedom of Information Act defines a number of exemptions which may prevent release of the information you have requested. Where the University decides it is necessary to apply any of these exemptions, you will receive an explanation, quoting the relevant exemption, and an explanation of your rights of appeal. The Environmental Information Regulations define a similar system of exceptions.

The University reserves the right to refuse any vexatious or repeated requests. This may include repeated requests from the same person, or from a number of people apparently working in concert, asking for the same information, or making requests which are intended to disrupt the University's work.