University of Oxford

The complainant has requested information about asbestos from the University of Oxford (‘the University’). The University disclosed some information and relied on EIR regulations 12(5)(d) (confidentiality of proceedings) and 12(4)(c) (request too general) to withhold some of the information. It also withheld two asbestos audit documents in their entirety under regulation 12(5)(a) (public safety). The University subsequently disclosed the information withheld under regulation 12(5)(d). It has advised that it will also now disclose the majority of the information in the two audit documents but is withholding some of it under EIR regulations 12(5)(a), 12(5)(g) (protection of the environment) and 13 (personal data). In respect of the audit reports, the Commissioner’s decision is that regulations 12(5)(a) and 12(5)(g) aren’t engaged but that regulation 13 is engaged. The University’s handling of the request also breached regulations 5(2), 9(2) and 11(4) of the EIR. The Commissioner requires the University to take the following step to ensure compliance with the legislation: Disclose to the complainant all the information in the two asbestos audit documents that are in scope of the request, except for personal data which it should redact under regulation 13 of the EIR.