What is Foreign Influence Activity?
In the university context foreign influence activity covers abroad range of opportunities, interaction and engagements that are intended or may lead to influence over individuals, organisations, sectors or the wider country, including UK democracy and governance. Such influence may be sought and exerted by state or non-state actors but is usually in furtherance of the objectives of a foreign state or its governing authority.
Most forms of influence are transparent and routine, including where undertaken openly as part of legitimate foreign policy objectives, including routine diplomacy, trade, political discourse and other and engagement with the UK. However, even such routine activity may present some risk in respect of perceived or actual conflicts of interest.
There are also foreign influence activities that may be registrable under the National Security Act 2023 and Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)—further information can be found here: FIRS
In rarer cases it is possible that foreign influence activity may present a threat to academic freedom or integrity, including freedom of speech.
What is the Impact on me?
The impact of foreign influence activity can vary quite widely, from direct and demonstrable in terms of the nature and scope to virtually unnoticed. The key point is that external influence is not itself a benign or malign phenomenon, rather that we should seek to understand where it acts on us, by whom it is being used and for what purposes, so that we can maintain academic freedom, integrity and independence of the university.
Potential downside risks include compromising values, which can result in reputational harm and potential liability under applicable legislation.
What do I need to do in response to Foreign Influence Activity?
In many cases the only thing that you will need to consider is making the required declarations under university policies on External Interests and ensuring that appropriate approval and authorisation is sought in accordance with University policy and practice (e.g. Head of Department consent to participate in activities or take up additional appointments).
If you observe or suspect foreign influence activity that is not aligned to the University’s mission, strategy and values, you may wish to seek advice from the Research Security Team, including specifically where that influence is exerted by entities or other actors connected with any of the countries in the University’s Relationships Policy, whether openly or covertly (you or others are instructed not to reveal details) with or without the threat of coercion.