2017 and 2014 UUK valuation consultations

The request was refused by Swansea University.

Dear Swansea University,

Please provide a copy of your University's response to the 2017 and 2014 UUK USS valuation consultations.

Yours faithfully,

Neil Davies

Francis-Morris R.I., Swansea University

Dear Neil

 

I write to advise that I am in receipt of your request dated 08/03/2018,
for information relating to the University's response to the 2017 and 2014
UUK USS valuation consultations.

 

This email confirms that your request has now been passed to the
University Compliance Officer who will review the contents of your request
and establish if a) your request is valid under the FOI Act and b) if any
further clarification is required from you to allow us to progress
further.

 

Should you wish to contact us regarding your request, please quote
reference number FOI 178/17-18 on any correspondence. 

 

Kindest Regards

 

 

Rhydian Francis-Morris

Paralegal/Paragyfreithiwr

Legal Services Team/Gwasanaethau Tìm Cyfreithiol

 

Vice-Chancellor’s Office/Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor

Room 7 | Ystafell 7

Abbey Building | Adeilad yr Abaty

Swansea University/Prifysgol Abertawe

Singleton Park/Parc Singleton

SA2 8PP

 

Tel/Ffon: 01792 602812

Email/e-bost: [1][email address]           

 

The University welcomes correspondence in Welsh and English/Mae'r
Brifysgol yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg.

 

Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to/Peidiwch ag
argraffu'r e-bost hwn oni bai fod gwir angen gwneud hynny

 

The contents of this e-mail are confidential and for the intended
recipient only. If you have received this message in error, please inform
the sender and delete the message/Mae cynnwys yr e-bost hwn yn gyfrinachol
a dim ond y derbynnydd a fwriadwyd a ddylai ei ddarllen. Os derbynioch y
neges mewn camgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonydd a dilewch y neges.

 

Swansea University is a registered charity. No. 1138342/Mae Prifysgol
Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif.1138342

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]

Francis-Morris R.I., Swansea University

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Davies,

 

I write in connection with your request for Swansea Universities responses
to USS and UUK valuation consultations. The FOI Act obliges the University
to respond to requests promptly and in any case no later than 20 working
days after receipt of your request.

 

We must consider firstly whether we can comply with s1(1)(a) of the Act,
which is our duty to confirm whether or not the information requested is
held and secondly we must comply with s1(1)(b), which is the provision of
the information.

 

However the Act allows the time for response to be longer than 20 working
days, if this balance of the public interest is undetermined.  In this
case we have not yet reached a decision on where the balance of the public
interest lies and estimate that it will take additional time to make the
decision.

 

The specific exemptions which applies in relation to your request is S43 –
Commercial Interests and S36 - Prejudice to effective conduct of public
affairs.  These are qualified exemptions which requires the University to
conduct a public interest test to establish whether the public interest is
best served by disclosure or non-disclosure of the information.

 

The ‘public interest’ is not however, what the public may find
interesting, there must be some tangible benefit to the community in such
disclosure.  Ultimately, it must be something that serves the interests of
the public.  It is a requirement to identify all the factors which serve
these interests and also those which do not, only then can a decision be
made.

 

Additional information may be located on the ICO’s guidance page using the
link below (Awareness guidance 11 – Time for Compliance).

 

[1]http://www.ico.org.uk/~/media/documents/...

 

Kind Regards

 

 

Rhydian Francis-Morris

Paragyfreithiwr/Paralegal

Gwasanaethau Tìm Cyfreithiol/ Legal Services Team

 

 

Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor/ Vice-Chancellor’s Office

Ystafell 7 | Room 7

Adeilad yr Abaty | Abbey Building

Prifysgol Abertawe/ Swansea University

Parc Singleton/ Singleton Park

SA2 8PP

 

Ffon/Tel: 01792 602812

e-bost/Email: [2][email address]    

 

Rhowch wybod i ni os hoffech dderbyn eich gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Rydym yn
croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg
yn arwain at oedi/. Let us know if you would like to receive
correspondence in Welsh. We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.
Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to a delay.

       

Peidiwch ag argraffu'r e-bost hwn oni bai fod gwir angen gwneud hynny/
Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to

 

Mae cynnwys yr e-bost hwn yn gyfrinachol a dim ond y derbynnydd a
fwriadwyd a ddylai ei ddarllen. Os derbynioch y neges mewn camgymeriad,
rhowch wybod i'r anfonydd a dilewch y neges./ The contents of this e-mail
are confidential and for the intended recipient only. If you have received
this message in error, please inform the sender and delete the message

 

Mae Prifysgol Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif.1138342/ Swansea
University is a registered charity. No. 1138342

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ico.org.uk/~/media/documents/...
2. mailto:[email address]

Dear Rhydian,

Thanks for getting back to me. Please can I request an internal review?

Two potential exemptions to my request have been suggested. Below I discuss each in turn. All of these exemptions are subject to a public interest test which we later address.

Section 36 (2) Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs

This exemption is for information that if released, would inhibit the free and frank exchange of views. The current discussion around the USS valuation and potential changes to the scheme are being widely discussed by many individuals, both in the press and privately on university campuses across the UK. The opinion of employers is an extremely pertinent factor in this discussion. Employees need to know and understand their employer’s position about what is reasonable for employer contributions to the USS and future benefit structure of the scheme.

In addition, Exeter, Lancaster, Bangor, Cardiff, Durham, Kings' college, LSHTM, Queen Mary's, Queens' Belfast, LSE, Manchester, UCL, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leicester, Liverpool, and Warwick universities have published their responses in full. This suggests that they do not believe that publishing their responses would inhibit a free and frank exchange of views. This also suggests that publishing the response is unlikely to severely prejudice your institution’s ability to conduct a free and frank exchange of views.

Section 43 (2) Commercial interests
This exemption is for information that if released, would harm your institution’s commercial interests. Could you clarify how releasing your institution’s response could harm its commercial interests? For example, would it be less likely to: attract students, win research contracts, or recruit and retain staff? None of the information requested relates to competitive contracts. All Russell group universities offer the same pension. Therefore how can publication of the response affect your institution specifically?

Furthermore, the vast majority of other large institutions have published their responses. They face the same commercial pressures as your institution, yet have published their responses without harming their commercial interests. This suggests that publishing the response is unlikely to severely harm your institution’s commercial interests.

Public interest test
Transparency and openness
There is a substantial public interest in full transparency and openness around the process of agreeing on the valuation for the USS and potential changes to the scheme. Providing a copy of your university’s response would inform USS members, students, and members of the public about the pressures facing your institutions, its position, and its rationale for the changes it would like to see for the scheme. This would allow ordinary USS members to be involved in this process and aid collaborative decision making.

Scrutiny of spending public money
Furthermore, significant concerns have been raised about the valuation method and the process for agreeing to any changes to the scheme. Publishing your institution’s response would enable the public to better scrutinise how public money is being spent. It would also ensure that the valuation and reform process was fully open and transparent. It would provide clarity about your institution’s position, and ensure that the valuation was handled in a fair, equitable way that maximised value for money.

Suspicion of wrongdoing
Publishing your institution’s response would alleviate any suspicion of wrongdoing. For example that an institution was lobbying the USS to protect its private interests, rather than USS members’ interests. Publishing the response would provide a full picture of the pressures facing your institution and would remove any suspicion of manipulating facts or engaging in ‘spin’.

The fact that some of the responses and many universities’ summaries of their responses are available in the public domain strengthens the case for disclosure.

In the public interest
There is a strong public interest in transparency and accountability. This is particularly important to improve the public and USS members’ understanding about the pressures facing the scheme and their employers. Publishing your institution’s response will help reinforce good decision making with respect to the USS. It will uphold standards of integrity and will ensure justice and fair treatment for all. Finally, publishing the response will help secure the best use of public resources for recruiting and retaining the staff at our universities.

Of public interest
There have been numerous articles in the press about the ongoing discussions around the USS. This issue is undoubtedly of public interest.

In 2015-16 there were nearly 2.28 million students in the UK. These students have a major interest in having a well-conducted pensions scheme for their tutors. There are almost 400,000 USS members who have an interest in understanding their employer’s position on the USS. All these individuals, and more have an interest in universities in the UK maintaining a competitive and well-managed pension scheme. The public at large has an interest in ensuring that public money is being well spent. Publishing the response may help achieve this.

In summary, there are unlikely to be major detrimental effects of publishing the response. There are very large potential public benefits from publishing the response. It is vital that the valuation and reform of the USS are conducted in a totally open and transparent way. Withholding the response could lead to an erosion of members’ trust. Many of the 160 signatories below have published a letter in the Financial Times calling for greater transparency over the USS. We very much hope you would be able to help achieve this.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Davies

Francis-Morris R.I., Swansea University

1 Attachment

Dear Neil

 

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately the University is not able to
fulfil your request for an internal review at this time as we have not yet
responded to your initial FOI request. We hope to be able to provide a
response to request FOI 178/17-18 very soon.

 

Kind Regards

 

Rhydian Francis-Morris

Paragyfreithiwr/Paralegal

Gwasanaethau Tìm Cyfreithiol/ Legal Services Team

 

 

Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor/ Vice-Chancellor’s Office

Ystafell 7 | Room 7

Adeilad yr Abaty | Abbey Building

Prifysgol Abertawe/ Swansea University

Parc Singleton/ Singleton Park

SA2 8PP

 

Ffon/Tel: 01792 602812

e-bost/Email: [1][email address]    

 

Rhowch wybod i ni os hoffech dderbyn eich gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Rydym yn
croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg
yn arwain at oedi/. Let us know if you would like to receive
correspondence in Welsh. We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.
Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to a delay.

       

Peidiwch ag argraffu'r e-bost hwn oni bai fod gwir angen gwneud hynny/
Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to

 

Mae cynnwys yr e-bost hwn yn gyfrinachol a dim ond y derbynnydd a
fwriadwyd a ddylai ei ddarllen. Os derbynioch y neges mewn camgymeriad,
rhowch wybod i'r anfonydd a dilewch y neges./ The contents of this e-mail
are confidential and for the intended recipient only. If you have received
this message in error, please inform the sender and delete the message

 

Mae Prifysgol Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif.1138342/ Swansea
University is a registered charity. No. 1138342

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]

Francis-Morris R.I., Swansea University

2 Attachments

Dear Neil

 

Your request has been considered under the provisions of the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 and our response is attached.

 

I trust this information is of assistance to you but please contact me if
you have any questions in relation to this response.

 

If you are dissatisfied with the University’s determination of your
application you may in the first instance request an internal review by
contacting Louise Woollard, Director of Services
[1][email address]

 

Please click on the link below for further information in relation to the
Freedom of Information Appeals process.

 

[2]http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...

 

 

Kind Regards

 

 

Rhydian Francis-Morris

Paragyfreithiwr/Paralegal

Gwasanaethau Tìm Cyfreithiol/ Legal Services Team

 

 

Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor/ Vice-Chancellor’s Office

Ystafell 7 | Room 7

Adeilad yr Abaty | Abbey Building

Prifysgol Abertawe/ Swansea University

Parc Singleton/ Singleton Park

SA2 8PP

 

Ffon/Tel: 01792 602812

e-bost/Email: [3][email address]    

 

Rhowch wybod i ni os hoffech dderbyn eich gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Rydym yn
croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg
yn arwain at oedi/. Let us know if you would like to receive
correspondence in Welsh. We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.
Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to a delay.

       

Peidiwch ag argraffu'r e-bost hwn oni bai fod gwir angen gwneud hynny/
Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to

 

Mae cynnwys yr e-bost hwn yn gyfrinachol a dim ond y derbynnydd a
fwriadwyd a ddylai ei ddarllen. Os derbynioch y neges mewn camgymeriad,
rhowch wybod i'r anfonydd a dilewch y neges./ The contents of this e-mail
are confidential and for the intended recipient only. If you have received
this message in error, please inform the sender and delete the message

 

Mae Prifysgol Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif.1138342/ Swansea
University is a registered charity. No. 1138342

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...
3. mailto:[email address]

Dear Rhydian,

Thanks for getting back to me. Please, can I request an internal review of this decision? Please see my previous email for details.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Davies

Francis-Morris R.I., Swansea University

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Davies

 

I write to advise that I am in receipt of your email dated 10/04/2018
requesting an internal review into FOI request 178-17/18.

 

The University will review and respond to you in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act 2000.

 

Please click on the link below for further information in relation to the
Freedom of Information Appeals process.

 

[1]http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...

 

Kind Regards

 

 

Rhydian Francis-Morris

Paragyfreithiwr/Paralegal

Gwasanaethau Tìm Cyfreithiol/ Legal Services Team

 

 

Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor/ Vice-Chancellor’s Office

Ystafell 7 | Room 7

Adeilad yr Abaty | Abbey Building

Prifysgol Abertawe/ Swansea University

Parc Singleton/ Singleton Park

SA2 8PP

 

Ffon/Tel: 01792 602812

e-bost/Email: [2][email address]    

 

Rhowch wybod i ni os hoffech dderbyn eich gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Rydym yn
croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg
yn arwain at oedi/. Let us know if you would like to receive
correspondence in Welsh. We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.
Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to a delay.

       

Peidiwch ag argraffu'r e-bost hwn oni bai fod gwir angen gwneud hynny/
Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to

 

Mae cynnwys yr e-bost hwn yn gyfrinachol a dim ond y derbynnydd a
fwriadwyd a ddylai ei ddarllen. Os derbynioch y neges mewn camgymeriad,
rhowch wybod i'r anfonydd a dilewch y neges./ The contents of this e-mail
are confidential and for the intended recipient only. If you have received
this message in error, please inform the sender and delete the message

 

Mae Prifysgol Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif.1138342/ Swansea
University is a registered charity. No. 1138342

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...
2. mailto:[email address]

Rhys-Thomas T.C., Swansea University

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Davies

 

I refer to your original request for information under the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 and your subsequent request for an internal review of
the information provided to you. I confirm that I have reviewed the
original request and response and attach my response accordingly.

 

Kind Regards

Teresa

 

Teresa Rhys-Thomas
University Compliance Officer (Data Protection / Freedom of Information)|
Swyddog Cydymffurfiaeth y Brifysgol (Diogelu Data / Rhyddid Gwybodaeth)

Vice-Chancellor’s Office| Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor

Abbey Building | Adeilad yr Abaty
Swansea University | Prifysgol Abertawe
Singleton Park | Parc Singleton
Swansea | Abertawe
SA2 8PP

Phone | Ffôn 01792 606107
Email | Ebost [email address]

Rhowch wybod i ni os hoffech dderbyn eich gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg. Rydym yn
croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg
yn arwain at oedi/. Let us know if you would like to receive
correspondence in Welsh. We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.
Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to a delay
[1]www.swansea.ac.uk | [2]www.abertawe.ac.uk

 

GDPR - Are you Ready? Please visit our [3]website for further information
| Y Rheoliad Diogelu Data Cyffredinol- Ydych chi'n Barod? Am fwy o
wybodaeth, ewch i'n [4]gwefan
Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. | Peidiwch ag
argraffu’r e-bost hwn oni bai fod gwir angen gwneud hynny.
The contents of this email are confidential and for the intended recipient
only. If you have received this message in error, please inform the sender
and delete the message.

Mae cynnwys yr ebost hwn yn gyfrinachol a dim ond y derbynnydd a fwriadwyd
a ddylai ei ddarllen. Os derbynioch y neges mewn camgymeriad, rhowch
wybod i’r anfonydd a dilëwch y neges.

Swansea University is a registered charity. No. 1138342 | Mae Prifysgol
Abertawe yn elusen gofrestredig. Rhif. 1138342

 

Please ensure that when sending personal data, you adhere to the
University’s policy on Security of Personal Data which can be accessed via
the link below.

 

[5]http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.swansea.ac.uk/
2. http://www.abertawe.ac.uk/
3. http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...
4. http://www.swansea.ac.uk/cy/y-brifysgol/...
5. http://www.swansea.ac.uk/the-university/...