FOI release

FOI2026/00667: AI-related Complaints

This request was refused in part, so we didn't provide some of the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2026/00667

Received 3 August 2026

Published 19 October 2026

Request

Request Received: 3 August 2026

Please provide the following information for Innovate UK for the period 1 January 2022 to 31 July 2026:

1. The total number of concerns, complaints, or formal complaints received from applicants (individuals or organisations who applied for Innovate UK funding or competitions) that explicitly mention artificial intelligence, automated decision making, algorithmic assessment, machine learning, large language models, or AI in each calendar year.

2. Yearly counts by allegation category (if recorded), for example: use of AI in assessment; automated rejection/shortlisting; bias or discrimination by AI; lack of transparency about AI use; misuse of applicant data for AI training; incorrect AI outputs affecting decisions; other AI related concerns. Please provide the categories you use and counts for each.

3. A yearly breakdown by outcome (for example: upheld, partially upheld, not upheld, resolved informally, ongoing).

4. A yearly breakdown by funding programme or competition (if available).

5. The number of complaints escalated to a formal review or appeal each year.

6. Copies of any policies or guidance used to record, classify, and handle applicant complaints during the period.

7. The format and location of the complaint records (e.g., case management system name) and whether anonymised case-level data can be provided (date received; programme; outcome; anonymised summary).

Response

Response Sent: 3 September 2026

Full details of this response are provided in the attached documents.

Documents

• Complaints and Queries Management Matrix.pdf (151.5 KB)
• Complaints Communications Guidance v.3.pdf (285.7 KB)
• Complaints Handling Procedure V2_Redacted.pdf (1.9 MB)
• Creating SMART Complaint Actions.pdf (936.2 KB)
• FOI_Response_Letter - FOI2026_00667_Redacted.pdf (309.9 KB)
• General Written Complaint Response Guidance.pdf (332.5 KB)
• Investigation Meeting Notes template v.2.pdf (250.4 KB)
• Investigation Planning Form.pdf (139.2 KB)
• Investigator's Guidance v3.1.pdf (541.6 KB)
• Invitation to Complaints Investigation meeting template v.3_Redacted.pdf (207.2 KB)
• Key Terms List v5.pdf (225.0 KB)
• Management of Vexatious complainant_Redacted.pdf (1.5 MB)
• Root Causes List v4.pdf (70.2 KB)
• Supporting Distressed and Vulnerable contacts final April 2021_Redacted.pdf (427.5 KB)
• Tier 1 Formal response template v2.3_Redacted.pdf (520.2 KB)

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