BRISMES Submits a Freedom of Information Request to the University of St Andrews

Dear University of St Andrews,

I am writing on behalf of the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies to formally request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The University commissioned Lady Morag Ross KC to conduct an investigation into the conduct of Rector Stella Maris. A redacted version of her report was published by the University on 1st August 2024. On the same day it was announced that the Rector had been dismissed from her position as Trustee and Member of the University Court. On page 16, the report refers to the “potential financial consequences” of Rector Maris’ conduct and specifically to concerns raised by “a prospective funder”.

Please disclose:

1. The name of the prospective funder;

2. The nature and value of the “anticipated funding” which was eventually secured;

3. A version of the report without the redactions in paragraph 2.45 of the full report or paragraph 5.11 of the report summary;

4. Copies of any and all correspondence between the Principal, Members of the Principal’s Office, or Members of the University Court and the prospective funder between 21st November 2023 and 1st August 2024. If the scope of this request is too broad, please disclose copies of any and all such correspondence which refers to the conduct of Rector Maris;

5. Copies of any and all correspondence between the Principal, Members of the Principal’s Office, and/or Members of the University Court about the relationship with the prospective funder between 21st November 2023 and 1st August 2024. If this would make the scope of the search too broad, please exclude this aspect of the request.

If it is not possible to provide any of the information requested due to the information exceeding the cost of compliance limits identified in Section 12, please provide advice and assistance, under the Section 16 obligations of the Act, as to how I can refine my request. If you need any clarification on any part of my request, then please contact me using this email address.

Yours faithfully,

Professor Nicola Pratt
BRISMES President

On behalf of the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES