BBC - FOI request
Dear University of Essex,
I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act to request information regarding the University's use of PR firms.
To be clear this request is seeking to understand how much is being spent on Public Relation companies and in what circumstances. We do not want marketing or communication budgets to be included. Any questions please get back to me prior to the 20 day time limit.
Can you please answer the following:
A) How much was spent per month 1st July 2017 - 31st July 2019 on PR firms?
B) What firms did you employ in this period and what were the terms of service? Please include any special projects or issues they worked on.
C) Between 1st July 2017 - 31st July 2019 did you ever employ a PR firm specifically for 'crisis management'. If so who did you employ, how much were they paid and what issue were they addressing?
Yours faithfully,
Poppy Damon
[Number Removed]
Dear Poppy
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request. We will respond as soon as we are able, and in any case within the 20 working days allowed under the FOI Act. If you have any further queries in the meantime do please contact us.
Regards
Sara
Freedom of Information Team
Innovation and Technology Solutions
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3SQ
T +44 (0)1206 874853
E [University of Essex request email]
Dear Poppy
Thank you for your recent enquiry dated 22^nd August and received by us on
the same date concerning the University’s spend on PR firms. Your request
is being handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please see
our response below:
A) How much was spent per month 1st July 2017 - 31st July 2019 on PR
firms?
In 2018 a total of £1,269.00 was paid to Cumulus. During the month of
February 2019 the University paid the British Council £2,700.00.
B) What firms did you employ in this period and what were the terms of
service? Please include any special projects or issues they worked on.
Cumulus in Gurgaon, India to provide PR services for India.
British Council to provide media services.
C) Between 1st July 2017 - 31st July 2019 did you ever employ a PR firm
specifically for 'crisis management'. If so who did you employ, how much
were they paid and what issue were they addressing?
No, as crisis management is undertaken in-house by the University.
I hope you find this information useful but if you have any queries about
the data, please let me know. You would also be welcome to contact our
Comms Team on 01206 872400 and I have copied them into this email so that
they are aware of your interest.
Best wishes
Clare Chatfield, BA (Hons), PC.foi
Freedom of Information Team
Innovation & Technology Solutions
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3SQ
T +44 (0)1206 872285
E [1][University of Essex request email]
References
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1. mailto:[University of Essex request email]
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