What Is The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) and What Does It Mean For My Group?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• WHAT IS THE FOREIGN INFLUENCE REGISTRATION SCHEME (FIRS)?
• WHAT COUNTS AS A FOREIGN STATE?
• WHAT ARE THE TWO TIERS IN FIRS?
• WHAT IS A POLITICAL INFLUENCE ACTIVITY?
• WHEN DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER AN ACTIVITY UNDER FIRS?
• HOW DO YOU REGISTER AN ACTIVITY UNDER FIRS?
• DOES FIRS STOP MY SOCIETY FROM RUNNING ACTIVITIES?
• WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M UNSURE?

WHAT IS THE FOREIGN INFLUENCE REGISTRATION SCHEME (FIRS)?

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) is a UK government scheme.

It is there to make sure that certain activities happening in the UK are open and transparent when they are carried out at the instruction of a foreign state or a foreign state-controlled organisation.

The aim is to protect the safety and interests of the UK. It does not automatically stop activities from taking place.

WHAT COUNTS AS A FOREIGN STATE?

A foreign state means any country outside the UK, including:

• The country’s government
• Government departments or agencies (for example, a Ministry of Education or Foreign Affairs)
• Public bodies controlled or funded by that government (such as a state-owned broadcaster, university, or cultural institute)

Having international members or celebrating another country’s culture does not mean your society is acting for a foreign state.

WHAT ARE THE TWO TIERS IN FIRS?

FIRS has two levels, depending on what the activity is and who it is for.

Political Influence Tier

This applies to activities carried out at the instruction of a foreign state that are meant to influence:

• UK political decisions
• Elections or referendums
• Registered political parties in the UK

Enhanced Tier

This applies to activities carried out at the instruction of a foreign state or foreign state-controlled organisation that has been specifically listed by the UK government under FIRS.

At the moment, this includes Russia and Iran.

The list can change, so the current list is published on GOV.UK here.

WHAT IS A POLITICAL INFLUENCE ACTIVITY?

A political influence activity is something done at the instruction of a foreign state that is intended to influence politics in the UK.

This can include communicating directly with UK government ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), or election candidates, or giving money or services to a UK national, someone living in the UK, or a UK organisation or business. It can also include public communications, such as newspaper articles or social media posts, where it is not clear which foreign state the activity is being carried out on behalf of.

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER AN ACTIVITY UNDER FIRS?

Enhanced Tier

If an activity involves a foreign state or foreign state-controlled organisation listed under the Enhanced Tier, registration must happen before any agreement is made and before the activity takes place.

This means you must speak to Durham SU before agreeing to anything.

Political Influence Tier

If an activity is a political influence activity carried out at the instruction of a foreign state, it must be registered within 28 days of an agreement being made.

However, we strongly recommend that you still tell Durham SU before making an agreement. This allows us to check whether the activity falls under the Enhanced Tier instead.

Durham SU will advise which tier applies and will handle registration where required.

HOW DO YOU REGISTER AN ACTIVITY UNDER FIRS?

Durham SU will register the activity for you using the official online registration service.

You will need to provide details of who the agreement is with and what activities will take place as part of the agreement. Durham SU must check and sign off all agreements on your behalf before registration.

DOES FIRS STOP MY SOCIETY FROM RUNNING ACTIVITIES?

No, FIRS does not stop activities from taking place. Activities can still go ahead as long as Durham SU has approved them and any required registration under FIRS has been completed.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M UNSURE?

If you’re not sure whether your activity needs to be registered, contact Durham SU as early as possible so we can advise you.

You can also read the official guidance on GOV.UK for more information.