Legal advice at the University
Legal Advisers | Data Protection & Freedom of Information | General legal advice | University contracts | Confidentiality | Copyright | New Legislation | Governance | Grievances
Legal Advisers at the University
The University Legal Adviser is Elizabeth Richardson and she is assisted by the Assistant Legal Advisers, Philip Griffiths and Lisa Slater. Elizabeth is a practising solicitor who worked in private practice before coming to the University. The advisers are required to meet performance standards. They are based in the Office of the University Secretary in 4 West Level 3.
Appointments can be made to see the Legal Advisers by contacting their secretary on ext: 5024 .
Consult the Legal Advisers on the following:
Data protection and Freedom of Information
Elizabeth Richardson is the University's Data Protection Officer and Information Officer and has responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000. Elizabeth Richardson provides advice and assistance on all matters relating to Data Protection and Freedom of Information. This includes drafting data protection statements for forms and questionnaires, advising on requests for access to personal data, responding to queries on Data Protection issues, overseeing the University's Data Protection notification and and advising on requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act. Further information on the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act, including general guidelines for staff and students as well as specific advice for staff working in different areas and frequently asked questions can be found on the Data Protection and the Freedom of Information web sites.
General Legal Advice
The Legal Advisers provide advice to the University on a wide range of legal issues that arise from the many activities undertaken at the University. They also manage the relationship with external lawyers when it is appropriate to use their services. For more information please click the following link: Protocol for Obtaining External Legal Advice
University contracts
The Legal Advisers provide legal advice and assistance in negotiating contracts with third parties of substantial value or importance. These include commercial agreements such as purchase of equipment and strategic arrangements or academic collaborations with other institutions. The Legal Advisers can also assist with drafting or negotiating contracts for the supply or licensing of software.
Confidentiality
If you are entering into negotiations which will involve disclosing confidential information or emerging intellectual property, the company should be asked to sign a confidentiality or Non Disclosure Agreement. The Legal Advisers can provide standard forms of these and can also advise on the terms of any Confidentiality or Non Disclosure Agreement that the University is asked to sign.
As a general point it is a good idea to contact the Legal Advisers early in your discussions with a potential commercial sponsor of research to ensure that any legal issues are covered at an early stage.
Copyright
The Legal Advisers can help with copyright issues including advice on what is or is not permissible and on clarification of copyright ownership.
New Legislation
The Legal Advisers assist the University in complying with statutory requirements. New legislation such as the Data Protection Act, Human Rights Act, Freedom of Information Act and Equality legislation impose specific duties on higher education institutions. The Legal Advisers are consulted on drafting policies and putting in place procedures to ensure the University responds appropriately.
Governance issues
The Legal Advisers advise the University Secretary and senior staff on matters involving the constitution and governance of the University. They also advise on interpretation of University Statutes and Ordinances and assist in drafting or redrafting when required.
Grievances
The Legal Advisers assist the University Secretary in dealing with staff and student grievances and complaints, particularly when informal internal resolution has not been possible and the grievance is pursued to a more formal stage. They also consider legal questions arising in student or staff disciplinary cases.