How to Submit an FOI Request
Each public authority has a publication scheme to provide information in an easily accessible form, so that people can access it without having to make an individual request. If the information requested is not available through this publication scheme an individual request can be made.
Anyone, anywhere can make a request for information and will be entitled to receive it, provided no exemptions apply. The request can be made by an individual or an organisation and does not have to be made by someone in Scotland. Authorities are only obliged to provide recorded information and it does not matter how old the information is. Requests must be in writing or in another permanent form. Requests must state the name and address of the applicant and describe what information is required (an email is sufficient). Authorities may charge a fee in accordance with fees regulations which are to be prepared by the Scottish Government. There is no need to cite the Act, provide proof of identity or explain why information is being asked for.
Authorities will be obliged to help anyone who proposes to make a request for information, as set out in a Code of Practice. All requests should be dealt with promptly and in any case within 20 working days. An authority can ask for more details in order to identify the information requested. An authority is not obliged to comply with a request if an exemption applies, the cost of doing so would exceed the amount set by the Fees Regulations, or the information is not held by the authority. In any of these instances, it must notify the applicant. If an applicant is dissatisfied with the way their request is dealt with, they can ask the authority for a formal review. If following that review the applicant remains dissatisfied they may appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner.
How do I make a request to QMU?
Requests can be made in writing, either by email or to the address below:
Freedom of Information
Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh
EH21 6UU
Queen Margaret University will respond to your request within 20 working days of making your request.
The above email and address can also be used for requests under the Data Protection Act and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations
Exemptions
Freedom of Information legislation provides individuals with a right of access to the information held by Scottish public authorities. There are times, however, when it will not be appropriate for certain types of information to be released into the public domain, and both the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FoISA) and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (the EIRs) allow authorities to withhold information in certain, limited, circumstances.
Guidance on exemptions can be found on the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner's website.
Links
Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner
The Scottish Information Commissioner is responsible for enforcing and promoting the right to access information held by public authorities, created by the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004, both of which came into force on 1 January 2005. The Act and the Regulations give anyone, anywhere in the world, important rights to access the information held by more than 10,000 public authorities in Scotland.
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
The ICO is responsible for the enforcement of the Data Protection Act 2018.
