Freedom of Information
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) aims to be as open as possible in engaging others in how we conduct our science and our business through our publications, our website, social media and face-to-face discussions. Our Publication Scheme outlines the information we routinely publish and provides links to help you locate it.
We are committed to openness, transparency, good record-keeping and effective communication in our handling of requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 ('The Act'). Some of our information falls under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, which have broadly similar access rights to The Act but relate specifically to information about the environment.
All information will be made freely available unless there is a good reason not to do so, in line with relevant exemptions under the legislation. Our website and those of our wholly-owned research centres are developed with this goal in mind.
Requesting information
NERC already makes information widely available primarily through our publications, our website and through communications with our staff and the public. Our Publication Scheme can help you locate and access this information. Details of the research we support can be found in the Our Research section.
If the information you are interested in cannot be accessed through our Publication Scheme, our publications or elsewhere on our website, you can make a request in writing.
NERC has a duty of care to provide advice and assistance to those who have made, or propose to make, a request for information. To help us, please outline your request as clearly as possible, providing any relevant dates, organisations or names. You can also specify in what format you would like to receive the information, either in hard copy or electronically.
To make a request please contact our Freedom of Information Office by email to foi-office@nerc.ac.uk or by writing to:
Freedom of Information Office
NERC
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411500
We aim to answer all requests promptly and within the time limits set by the legislation.
Leaflet on how to get information from NERC (275KB)
Charging
We aim to provide as much information as possible free of charge, although we reserve the right to charge fees in accordance with the Freedom of Information & Data Protection (Appropriate Limit & Fees) Regulation 2004. NERC follows the current guidance on charging under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. For further information see the Information Commissioner's Office website.
Making a complaint
If you are not satisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request, you may appeal in the first instance using the NERC complaints procedure. If, after receiving the Complaints Officer's response, you remain dissatisfied, you may contact the Information Commissioner for a decision. Details of how to take your complaint further can be found on the Information Commissioner's Office website.
Freedom of Information and peer review
The peer review of research proposals is central to NERC's mission to encourage and support high-quality research. NERC's approach to requests for information relating to the peer review process is described in the Freedom of Information and peer review policy document below.
NERC Policy on Freedom of Information and Peer Review (168KB)
Access to personal information
NERC is fully committed to allowing applicants access to their own personal information whilst recognising the need to protect the privacy of others in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. For further information see the NERC Information Charter.
Records management
The Act amends the Public Records Act 1958 and places obligations on us to maintain our records in line with the provisions of a code of practice on records management.