Open Update: FOI news from the Scottish Information Commissioner |
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FOI news from the Scottish Information Commissioner |
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Some dates for your diary... We're taking a summer break from issuing a full newsletter during August but, rest assured, our newsletter service will resume in September.
In the meantime, here's a quick reminder of some events taking place in the near future which should be of interest to anyone who wants to keep up with current issues, or get involved in the debate around the future of freedom of information (FOI) in Scotland.
We're taking part in all of these events - and we'd love to see you there!
We also have details of a new opportunity to join our team - helping the FOI appeal process run smoothly by ensuring that the appeals we receive are legally valid and ready for investigation.
Details below - just click on the links for more information...
FOI: falling short after 20 years? Friday 22 August The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh 14:30-15:45
Taking place as part of the Scottish Parliament's annual Festival of Politics, this event will see a panel of experts from a range of backgrounds consider the impact that FOI rights have had in Scotland over the last twenty years, as well as the ways in which these rights might be developed in future.
As is typical with a Festival of Politics event, there will also be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in the debate and share your own views - or just to sit back and hear the views of others!
Chaired by Maggie Chapman MSP, the Festival of Politics panel will also feature: - David Hamilton, Scottish Information Commissioner
- Patricia Anderson, Give Them Time Campaign - who used FOI as part of a successful campaign to change the law affecting when children in Scotland can start school
- Dr Kenneth Meechan, Head of Information, Glasgow City Council - on the impact and experience of FOI for public bodies
- Rosalind McInnes, Legal Director, BBC Scotland - sharing the experience of journalists when using FOI rights, and reflecting on the wider impact of FOI.
Tickets for this event cost just £7.50 (£5.00 concession) with more information available on the Festival of Politics website. |
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Will Scotland become a global FOI leader? Friday 26 September The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh 11:00-13:00
Also taking place in the Scottish Parliament, and held to celebrate International Right to Know Day, this meeting of the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will consider how Scotland's 20-year-old FOI law compares with global best practice, and what steps might be taken to enable FOI in Scotland to not only keep pace with international best practice, but to lead in this area.
Speakers will cover both domestic and international developments in FOI, with further details to be announced shortly...
For more information, or to register your participation now, visit the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland's SPIF website. |
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Holyrood FOI Conference 2025: 20 years of FOI 18 November 2025 Edinburgh (venue to be confirmed) 10:00-15:00
This year's annual Holyrood FOI Conference will be a unique event, celebrating 20 years of FOI in Scotland. Alongside keynote speeches from Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn MSP and Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton, and a mix of interactive breakout sessions, the event will also see all four 'past-and-present' Scottish Information Commissioners - David Hamilton, Daren Fitzhenry, Rosemary Agnew and Kevin Dunion - share the stage to take part in an informal discussion, reflecting on both their own time in office, and the 'FOI-journey' Scotland has taken over the last 20 years.
For more information visit the Holyrood FOI Conference website. |
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Now Recruiting: Validation Officer (Enforcement Team) We're recruiting for a Validation Officer to join our Enforcement Team. This interesting, challenging and varied work will involve reviewing and assessing the appeals received the Scottish Information Commissioner to ensure that they are legally valid and can be taken forward for investigation.
The post is based in St Andrews, although some hybrid working is available. The closing date for applications is noon on 28 August 2025.
Interested? Find out if this is the job for you by visiting the current vacancies page of our website! |
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