The Governing Body of the University of Bristol

The complainant has requested a copy of a report dated December 2020 (“first report”) relating to a complaint made about an ex-employee of The University of Bristol (“the university”). The university confirmed that information relating to points 2 to 6 of the complainant’s request was provided through subsequent correspondence with the complainant and their legal representative outside the provisions of the FOIA regime, but withheld the first report and its Terms of Reference under section 32(2) of FOIA (Court, inquiry or arbitration records), section 36(b) and (c) of FOIA (Record of a qualified person’s opinion) and section 40 of FOIA (Personal information). First-tier tribunal (General Regulatory chamber) information rights appeal EA/2023/0172 under appeal.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the university has correctly relied on section 36 and section 40 of FOIA to withhold the information. He does not require the public authority to take any steps. Information Tribunal EA/2023/0172 appeal dismissed.