Now we know the rules of the Boat Race!

The University of Oxford have recently released the 'rules of the Boat Race' in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. The Joint Understanding limits training in term-time to 20 hours a week, sets out who can and cannot participate in the race and even reuires disclosure of financial support received by crew members.

"No bursaries or other grants, scholarships, gifts, payments or loans, whether in cash or kind, guarantees or equivalent indirect financing shall be funded or offered to squad members, either by the Clubs, their affiliated organisations or their members, or by any other body with a sporting purpose except with the agreement of the Panel."


The University of Cambridge received a similar request but stated that they did not have a copy of the Joint Understanding.

Request for Joint Understanding regulating Boat Race and response from Oxford

Why Northern Rock is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act [TECH2008/2]

Northern Rock undertakings are exempt due to Part 6 of this statutory instrument:


Nortern Rock Transfer Order

NHS Openness Code [TECH2008/1]

The NHS Openness Code (1995) sets out the basic principles for public access to information about the NHS. It was intended to ensure
greater access by the public. Even though the code predates the Freedom of Information Act 2000 it is still possible to refer to the code when requesting information from health authorities.

NHS Openness Code

Confirm or Deny: First Post

Welcome to my new blog about Freedom of Information in the United Kingdom: "Confirm or Deny".