UK government launches Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)
27 Jun 2025
New research security scheme comes into force on 1 July 2025 – information, guidance and support for all affected colleagues.
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), in which organisations and individuals must register activities sponsored by a foreign state or certain state-controlled organisations, will come into force on 1 July 2025.
FIRS is a government scheme to protect the safety and interests of the UK by improving the understanding of activity taking place here at the instruction of foreign states or organisations.
While it will affect some of our colleagues, all of our research community needs to be clear of their position and how FIRS may affect their work. The University is here to support anyone who is unsure or needs further guidance.
What this means
From 1 July 2025, you must register for FIRS if you or your organisation meet certain conditions – these are detailed on our Research Security Hub on the link below, along with any exemptions.
There is a dedicated online registration service. If your registrable activity is part of your University work, the University will support you and register the activity on your behalf.
Pre-existing arrangements which were made before 1 July 2025, and which are continuing beyond that date, must be registered by 1 October 2025.
Any arrangements made on or after 1 July 2025 do not benefit from the 3-month grace period and must be registered within the timeframes relevant to the tier your activity fits into. That is, 28 days for activity within the political influence tier and 10 days for activity within the enhanced tier.
Failure to comply is an offence with maximum penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment – the University is here to ensure you are able to comply quickly and easily.
If your registrable activity is part of your University work, the University will support you and register the activity on your behalf.
You can contact the University’s Regulatory Compliance Team for advice on next steps or if you have any question related to FIRS.
Further information
You can visit our Research Security Hub for details of who is affected and what they need to do:
You can also get UK government information and guidance at: