Key definitions

Key definitions for the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS).

Arrangement

An arrangement is any type of agreement, whether formal or informal, to carry out activities in the UK. An arrangement can include contracts, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs), an order (or similar) of a good or service to be followed up with a bill or invoice, an informal quid pro-quo agreement.

Direction

A 'direction' is an order or instruction to act to which a person is obliged or compelled, whether formally or informally, to comply. This could also take the form of a request, if there is a power relationship between the person and the foreign power which adds an element of control or expectation, for example through a contract, payment, coercion or the promise of future compensation or favourable treatment.

Foreign Power

A foreign power is defined as any of the following:

• the sovereign or other head of a foreign State
• a foreign government, or part of a foreign government (for example, a ministry or department of a foreign government)
• an agency or authority of a foreign government, or of part of a foreign government
• an authority responsible for administering the affairs of an area within a foreign country or territory (for example, a local government authority in a foreign country)
• a political party which is a governing political party of a foreign government.

Entities that are owned or controlled by a foreign power, e.g. state-owned universities, labs or research institutes are not by default considered to be part of a foreign state.

Please note, within the context of this Scheme, the Republic of Ireland is exempt.

Political Influence Activities

To meet the definition of a 'political influence activity' an activity must meet both of the following criteria.

The activity must be carried out in the UK and be one of the following:

• a communication (e.g. emails, letters or meetings) to a senior public official or politician
• a publication, except where it is reasonably clear that it is made at the direction of a foreign power
• the provision of money, goods or services to an individual or entity in the UK (for example, providing consultancy services to a UK business).

The purpose, or one of the purposes of the activity must be to influence one of the following:

• an election or referendum in the UK
• a decision of a Minister or government department (including a Minister or government department of Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland)
• the proceedings of a UK registered political party (such as their manifesto commitments)
• a member of the House of Commons, House of Lords, Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament or Senedd Cymru (when acting in their capacity as such).

Anyone who believes that their work may be relevant to FIRS or if you have any questions related to the scheme, please contact UniversitySecretary@tees.ac.uk.