University of Salford

The complainant has requested, from the University of Salford (the university), information relating to certain groups and committees. The university originally refused to disclose any of the requested information, on the basis of section 43(2) of FOIA (commercial interests). During the Commissioner’s investigation, the university revised its position and disclosed information regarding two committees, however it continues to withhold other information under section 43(2). The Commissioner’s decision is that the university has failed to demonstrate that section 43(2) is engaged for the withheld information. The Commissioner therefore requires the university to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: disclose the withheld information – ie the withheld information that the university provided to the Commissioner on 27 June 2025, 22 July 2025 and 24 July 2025 – subject to any appropriate redactions for personal data in accordance with the Commissioner’s guidance. The university must take these steps within 30 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 FOIA and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.