Since 1984 CFoIS has campaigned for a robust legal right to access information so people can find out how they are governed and how 'public' services operate.
Scotland
Joined November 2019
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Spot the Traitor...
Which of these can you ask for under FOI?
A. How much a council spent on Christmas lights
B. Your neighbour's council tax bill
C. The number of pothole complaints received
D. A staff member's medical records
Answers revealed at breakfast tomorrow...
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
And of course AI featured heavily and my musings on how we can turn AI to a force for good got some real interest... prompt templates, AI models and a bedfellow to a new approach for proactive publication especially in a world of misinformation/disinformation.
More to come (5/5)
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Differences too- the fees regime is seen as essential in Ireland to control demand. Free for a request, €30 Euros for a review and €50 for a Commissioner Appeal. There was suprise when I explained no appetite for that in Scotland (2/x)
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Really useful insights at the Irish National FOI conference in Kilkenny. Delighted to open the conference and hear from FOI professionals in Ireland.
Lots of common themes- eg volume, proactive publication (or lack of!), AI challenges and a need for legislative updates (1/x)
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
"I have the gravest concerns that the Standards Commission is not acting compatibly with the law of free speech in the UK. I do not know if this is because it does not understand the law or if it understands it perfectly well but for some reason declines to apply it." -Prof Tomkins, Constitutional Law @heraldscotland
@UofGlasgow
heraldscotland.com/news/2662…
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Mis information and disinformation- a hot topic around the globe and a growing risk to society.
At an international conference of Information Commissioners last week we agreed that this is where proactive publication by Authorities becomes essential.
fullfact.org/policy/reports/…
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
We believe that info should be accessible to everyone, so accessible communication matters!
We encourage public bodies, charities and support organisations to share our BSL videos and Easy Read resources with the people they support.
zurl.co/tJgYB
#Accessibility
ALT Person communication in sign language alongside the Scottish Information Commissioner logo and the Contact Scotland BSL logo.
Thanx 2 Graeme Johnson for chairing ‘AI-Asset or liability for FoI?’ Reassuring to hear researchers, public bodies & regulators are focused on managing AI & crafting fair & practical solutions to ensure FoI rights thrive & duties delivered. @benworthy1 @scotgov and @FOIScotland
CFoIS writes for SLN on why it’s important to promote the right to know @NUJScotland @unisonscot
scottishlegal.com/articles/c…
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Our decisions do more than resolve appeals. They help requesters and public authorities better understand FOI law and practice.
Read decisions and key learning points at zurl.co/A0bX6
#RightToKnowDay #AccessToInformation
Our article today champions Scotland’s FoI law & its system of enforcement to protect rights and ensure public bodies comply with their duties. Useful learning in advance of publication of Scotland’s Human Rights Bill, now delayed until 2027. @HRCScotland tfn.scot/opinion/celebrating…
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Whatever your level of FOI experience, our briefings and guidance can help. Find practical advice on valid requests, exemptions and many other aspects of FOI legislation.
👉 zurl.co/z3pOM
#RightToKnowDay #FO
Today we celebrate the global International Right to Know Day & Scotland’s FoI law which acts as a shield to disinformation and fake news. It’s a law to help the curious, the disempowered and those upset by decisions which impact on their lives. A law to champion🏆@NUJScotland
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Are you looking for information from a Scottish public authority, and don’t know where to start? zurl.co/Lt56q explains how to make an FOI request, and what happens next. Simple, practical guidance to help you get started. #RightToKnowDay #FOI
ALT FOI: What can I ask for? Who can I ask? How do I ask? What are my rights?
Robust FoI legislation enables the public 2 separate fact from fiction - if something doesn’t sound or read right, they can make an information request & enforce the right thru regulators. FoI reform must be core 2 Govt strategy @KatySClark @jamiehepburn
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6re…
CFoIS is a campaigning organisation supporting the public’s right to enforce their access to information rights. So this is a fascinating case to observe and hear arguments on interpreting our 24 yrs old FoI law. scotcourts.gov.uk/livestream…
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Increasing demand…increasing transparency…
Our new annual report shows that, while FOI appeal numbers have rocketed, our small team is working hard to close more cases and help people get the information they need.
👉foi.scot/annual-reports
ALT We received 83% more appeals than last year, we closed 14% more cases than last year and 77% of our decisions found wholly or partly in the requester's favour.
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Following on from @heraldscotland's coverage of hybrid working in the civil service, a trade union told the Scottish Government their emails and letters couldn't be issued under FOI unless they had given prior "agreement".
heraldscotland.com/news/2655…
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland retweeted
Our latest newsletter is a special Annual Report edition. Find out what our office achieved over the last year, explore the key results and milestones, and learn about upcoming events that are open to all. Read more: zurl.co/uzD3I
ALT Annual Report 2025-26 83% increase in appeals Over 110k FOI requests made in Scotland We issued over 301 decisions Cleared 79% of our backlog by the end of March.
