Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) promotes transparency and accountability in the public sector.  The University, as a public body, is obliged to comply with the Act. Members of the public have the right to request information held by the University and the University is committed to meeting its transparency and accountability requirements under the Act.

How to obtain information about Manchester Metropolitan University:

1. Check our Publication Scheme: our guide to the information the University publishes (or intends to publish) and where to find it: Publication Scheme

2. Check the University website: additional information is published and available via the relevant sections of our website.  Use the search tool on our homepage, or browse the relevant University webpages for the information you require.

3. Check external sources for published information: the University is not required to provide information where the data is published by another organisation.  For example: HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) is the designated data body for Higher Education Institutions.  HESA provides consistent sector-wide information, which can usually be viewed and downloaded also by individual or selected Universities.  Much of HESA’s data is free of charge and accessible without having to make a request.  HESA should be your first check for any statistical information about students or staff, financial and other University information.

4. Submit a request for information: If you require information which is not already (or routinely) published, you may submit a written request for information. Please write to: [email protected] or FOI Team, Legal Services, Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building, All Saints Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6BH.

Your request should include your include your full name; and an address for correspondence (an email address is acceptable).  Please provide as much information as you can to help us identify what you are looking for.  Details such as dates/names/departments etc, where relevant, are helpful and reduce the risk of delay while we seek further clarification from you.  We will contact you if we require further clarification of your request.

Charges: Information on the University website is free of charge.  The University may charge a fee for paper copies. Requests for large volumes of information may incur a charge to cover photocopying and postage costs.  If you submit a request and a fee is applicable, we will let you know prior to incurring any charge.

FOI Compliance Statistics

The University publishes compliance statistics regarding requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Code of Practice. Publication commenced in 2019 and takes place quarterly; the table below is updated in approximately May, August, November and February, with the stats for the previous quarter: 

Appeals & Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive and you wish to appeal a decision or make a complaint in relation to the University’s obligations under the Freedom of Information Act, you should write to [email protected] in the first instance.  Appeals must be submitted in writing to the University within 40 working days of the date we responded to your request.  If you remain dissatisfied with the University’s response to your appeal/complaint, you then have a subsequent right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision.

The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s OfficeWycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.  Web: www.ico.org.uk.  Telephone +44 (0)1625 545700