University of Oxford main logo
Legal

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 2000

The University of Oxford, including its constituent departments and research centres such as CASSM, is a public authority subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). Under this Act, anyone can request access to recorded information held by the University.

Making a Freedom of Information Request

To make a Freedom of Information request to the University of Oxford, you should contact the University's Information Compliance team directly. FOIA requests must be made in writing (including by email):

Your request should clearly describe the information you are seeking. You do not need to explain why you want it. The University will respond within 20 working days of receiving your request.

Information Available Without a Formal Request

The University of Oxford publishes a significant amount of information proactively through its Publication Scheme, adopted under the FOIA. This includes information about the University's structure, finances, policies, and research activities. See the University's FOI pages for the full Publication Scheme.

Information about CASSM's research activities, academic staff, and public outputs is available directly on the CASSM website.

Exemptions

Some information may be withheld under exemptions provided in the FOIA — for example, where disclosure would prejudice ongoing research, commercial interests, or the privacy of individuals. If an exemption applies, the University will inform you and, where appropriate, apply a public interest test. You have the right to request a review of any refusal and to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Environmental Information

Requests for environmental information are handled under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), which operate on a similar basis to FOIA. Such requests should similarly be directed to the University's Information Compliance team.

Further Information

For full details of the University of Oxford's Freedom of Information policies, procedures, and Publication Scheme, visit:

Last reviewed: May 2026  ·  University of Oxford FOI