University backs former AM in FoI requests row
CARDIFF University has described a series of freedom of information requests relating to former Welsh Government Minister Leighton Andrews as vexatious and a clear political campaign against his personal integrity.
On Monday Mr Andrews published a blog posting in which he claimed the requests represented an attempt to intimidate him because of the public statements he has made about the treatment of Carl Sargeant.
Mr Sargeant is believed to have taken his own life last November, four days after being removed from his post as Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children because of unspecified allegations of sexual harassment that were denied by him.
The information requests went to Cardiff University, where Mr Andrews is now Professor of Practice in Public Service Leadership and Innovation.
They sought details of any disciplinary investigations into his conduct; any complaints made about him; details of any email correspondence between him and journalists at a number of outlets including the Western Mail and WalesOnline; details of any communications relating to his “behaviour and public comments” since November 3, 2017, the day Mr Sargeant was removed from the Cabinet and four days before he died; whether Mr Andrews had sought permission to carry out non-university business during normal working hours; and whether any consideration had been given to the impact of Mr Andrews’ comments on the university’s reputation.
Writing on his blog, Mr Andrews stated: “In my opinion these FoI requests are malicious, and designed to undermine my reputation and discredit me.”
He now says a further three FoI requests have been submitted to Cardiff University which relate to his communcations with foreign government officials, current members of the Welsh Assembly, Welsh Government employees, personal email addresses and named persons.
The unnamed individual sought all relevant information for the time period from November 5 2017.
A senior Cardiff University official responded to the individual who made the requests: “Our view is that the majority of the information requested under the multiple requests received concerns a matter which is not related to Professor Andrews’ job role within Cardiff University. As you will be aware many academics are involved in public debate in matters which will not necessarily be linked to their duties within the university. Academics are free to contribute to public debate in their own right and also to correspond with individuals external to the University.
“Professor Andrews would arguably continue to be involved in the issues related to the request even if he were to cease his employment with Cardiff University given his background as a former Welsh Minister. It should also be noted that Professor Andrews works for the university for 80% of his time. As such the university considers that the majority of this request relates to activities undertaken in a private capacity.
“In recognition that there is a clear campaign concerning a member of our staff and that these are focussed on a political issue and the personal integrity of the staff member rather than the work and operations of the university I would draw to your attention at this stage to the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance on vexatious requests.”