Gordon Neill
[FOI #10016 email]
28 April 2009
Our Ref: FOI 2009/51 – F0056164
Dear Mr Neill,
Re: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 – Request for Information
Dear Mr Neill,
Re: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 – Request for Information
Thank you for your email which was received by the University on 30 March 2009 timed 2025
hours, requesting the following:
Details of Research and Enterprise Business Planning and Reporting Structure in
Relation to Kevin Cullen’s Extensive Travel.
University’s Response
The University of Glasgow does not hold the information that you have requested and is not
aware of any other public authority that could respond to your request. Section 17 of FOISA
states that where public authorities receive requests for information that they do not hold, they
must issue a notice advising that they do not hold the requested information.
The University does not hold annual business plans in relation to Research & Enterprise.
Activities are intended to further the University’s strategic goals, as illustrated in the
University’s Mission Statement http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/ and Research Strategy
http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/researchandenterprise/a-z/#R .
The University does not require detailed cases for business trips made by Directors. These
trips are often paid from external sources and their purpose is in support of the strategic goals
of the University.
DATA PROTECTION AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICE
Main Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Data Protection: Telephone: 0141-330-3111
E-Mail: [email address]
Freedom of Information: Telephone: 0141-330-2523
E-Mail: foi@gla.ac.uk
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401
Where Dr. Cullen has given presentations at events, copies have been attached (see
appendix A)
Dr. Cullen has confirmed that his trip to Arizona (which was paid for by a third party) included
2 hours of horse riding (an hour before the meeting and an hour after). No other recreational
activities took place on any of the trips concerned.
It is impossible for the University to put a monetary value on each business trip taken by the
Director of Research & Enterprise. The nature of this work is incremental and it is crucial that
professional networks are maintained for opportunity development and these elements are
specified within the Director's job description:
• Representing R&E and the University in external committees and structures relevant to
the University's research and enterprise activities. These to include political, research,
knowledge transfer and economic development fora.
• Promoting the University's research and enterprise expertise, capabilities and activities
locally, nationally and internationally through representation and presentations.
• Maximise opportunities for and success in raising funds from appropriate sources
outside the University.
Reports back take different forms. Frequently there are verbal discussions. There is no record
held of all reports for all trips.
The supply of documents under the terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
does not give the applicant or whoever receives the information any right to re-use it in such a
way that might infringe the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (for example, by making
multiple copies, publishing or otherwise distributing the information to other individuals and the
public). The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Consequential Modifications) Order
2004 ensured that Section 50 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (“CDPA”)
applies to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (“FOISA”).
Breach of copyright law is an actionable offence and the University expressly reserves its
rights and remedies available to it pursuant to the CDPA and common law. Further information
on copyright is available at the following website:
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/copy.htm
Your right to seek a review
Should you be dissatisfied with the way in which the University has dealt with your request,
you have the right to require us to review our actions and decisions. Please refer to the
Review Procedure (http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/dpfoioffice/policiesandprocedures/foisa-
complaintsandreview/) for further information. All complaints regarding requests for
information will be handled in accordance with this procedure.
Yours sincerely,
Data Protection and Freedom of Information Office
