University of Bristol

The complainant has requested information about research projects funded by named organisations in the Department of Aerospace Engineering (AERO) at the University of Bristol (the university) from1 January 2015 to the date of his request on 6 November 2017. The Commissioner’s decision is that the university is entitled to rely on section 12(1). However, she considers that the university has not complied with its obligations under section 16 of the FOIA to provide the complainant with reasonable advice and assistance. She also notes that the response to the request was provided outside the statutory 20 working day time limit and accordingly the university has breached section 10 of the FOIA. The

Commissioner requires the university to ensure compliance with the legislation and provide advice and assistance to enable the complainant to submit a refined request within the appropriate cost limit. The university must take these steps within 35 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.