Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

Home Office forced to release critical report on origins of Windrush scandal Government had objected to report’s publication as it may ‘damage trust of affected communities’

To mark October as Black History Month, we wanted to share a handful of FOI disclosures which illustrate the experiences of Britain's Black communities.

The first – James Coombs vs the Home Office and ICO on the origins of the Windrush Scandal.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024...

📢 Have your say! The Scottish Parliament is scrutinising the FOI Reform Bill, and they need your views – should authorities pause deadlines for clarification? Should the First Minister have a veto?
Submit your views by 22 October 2025 👇 tinyurl.com/FOIReform

Open Update email newsletter banner: Text "FOI news, updates & learning, straight to your inbox." Zoomed in image beneath of two people shaking hands.

True or false? 🤔 The Scottish Information Commissioner can attempt to reach an agreement between the authority and the requester before going to a Decision Notice? For the answer, visit our September edition of our #newsletter 👉 tinyurl.com/SeptFOINews
#FOI #Scotland

At last week’s SPIF event, @cfoiscot.bsky.social shared messages from around the world congratulating Scotland on 20 years of FOI! Read the messages below – and remember you can have your say on the FOI Reform Bill until 22 Oct 👉 tinyurl.com/FOIReform

Thanks to everyone who joined the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) at the Scottish Parliament and online on Friday!

Book a ticket for the next SPIF meeting on December 1st via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/1759807725...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Nottingham Post launches legal challenge over Reform press ban Council leader Mick Barton has not spoken to journalists from the Nottingham Post since August.

Journalists have the right & duty to report on local government. The public has a right to read/access their stories to form an opinion. Their rights are protected by Art 10 ECHR. Good to see public interest litigation www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... @hrcscotland.bsky.social @nujscotland.bsky.social

On Friday we attended the Scottish Public Information Forum at the Scottish Parliament, organised by @cfoiscot.bsky.social. Speakers included @thecourier.co.uk David Clegg, @katysclark.bsky.social MSP, past SICs & current Commissioner @da.vidh.scot. We’ll be sharing highlights throughout today.

YouTube video by Sieć Obywatelska Watchdog Polska O prawie do informacji w Szkocji, rozmowa z Carole Eward

Z okazji Międzynarodowego Dnia Prawa do Informacji mamy dla Was świetną rozmowę Marzeny Błaszczak z Carole Ewart z
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
@cfoiscot.bsky.social
Sprawdźcie, jak działa prawo do informacji w Szkocji. Polecamy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJSs...

UNESCO’s International Day for Universal Access to Information 28th September

UNESCO’s ‘International Day for Universal Access to Information’ will take place on the 28th of September and focus on ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age’.

CFoIS believes that everyone deserves access to environmental information and that timely environmental information empowers stakeholders to act on climate change.

For more information, visit the UNESCO website.

Today is @unesco.org's International Day for Universal Access to Information, with a focus on Environmental Information. CFoIS believes that everyone deserves timely access to environmental information.

Find out more here: www.unesco.org/en/days/univ...

#AccessToInfoDay #RightToKnow

Celebrating FoISA@20, excellent meeting of SPIF @davieclegg discussing news coverage before & after the enforceable right 2 information was introduced in 2005 & @katysclark.bsky.social highlighting how her members FoI Reform Bill will serve the public better. Public support helps the Bill succeed!

To celebrate FoISA@20, thanks to Lord Wallace for chairing a discussion with current & previous Scottish Information Commissioners-Kevin Dunion, Rosemary Agnew, Daren Fitzhenry & David Hamilton. A thoughtful and realistic assessment of enforcing rights & duties. @foi.scot @ICONews @ScotHumanRights

Scottish ministers rebuked for blocking FOI on Indyref Supreme Court case Ministers have been criticised by Scotland’s transparency watchdog for wrongly attempting to block a freedom of information (FOI) request on the lord advocate’s reference to the Supreme Co...

Interesting point that the Scottish government’s refusal to provide screenshots of its searches for the requested info is inconsistent with its practice in other recent FOI cases. www.scottishlegal.com/articles/sco... @katysclark.bsky.social

Thanks to the Ferret Fact Checking Service for clear explanation of the data. theferret.scot/claim-englis...

Thanks to Sue Webber MSP of the Scottish Conservative Party for meeting with CFoIS to discuss Katy Clark’s FoI Reform Bill. We look forward to giving evidence to the SPPA committee at Stage 1 to inform its deliberations. @suejwebber @katysclark.bsky.social

Good to meet Graham Simpson MSP of Reform UK to discuss the FoI Reform Bill. A positive conversation about the importance of robust FoI rights to enable informed scrutiny. Thanks for your support to progress the Bill though the Scottish Parliament @grahamsmsp @katysclark.bsky.social

Event 2025 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI 2025) Conference Manila, Philippines; Online 29 - 30 September

The 2025 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI 2025), hosted by UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, to take place in Manila, Philippines, on 29–30 September 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.’

The conference will bring together high-level participants and experts from around the world to discuss: Access to environmental information as a pillar of transparency, accountability, and sustainable development Broader enabling conditions, including legal and digital frameworks, information integrity, and measures to address disinformation, in line with the 2030 Agenda and SDG 16.10.2.

Informed citizens are essential to a greener, fairer, and thriving planet. Find out how you can get involved in UNESCO's International Day for Universal Access to Information in this post!

More information here: www.unesco.org/en/articles/...

#AccessToInfoDay #RightToKnow

News | Celebrating and Reforming FoI Rights in Scotland Scotland’s Freedom of Information (FoI) rights have empowered over 1.4 million requests in 20 years, driving transparency and public trust. As the Scottish Parliament debates major reforms, this blog ...

20 years of FoI in Scotland: millions empowered, big reforms on the table. Will Scotland lead the way on transparency? Read more & have your say!

www.hrcscotland.org/news/news/ce...

@cfoiscot.bsky.social

Families accuse care home of 'neglect' and 'cruelty' after secret filming A BBC Disclosure reporter saw vulnerable elderly people left sitting alone for hours in urine-soaked clothes.

Freedom of Information requests show that no other care home in Scotland had more complaints upheld against it in 2024 than Castlehill. Another case highlighting why FoI law should apply to private companies delivering this public service. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Thank u to NUJ Edinburgh Freelance Branch for invite 2 speak tonight on our campaign supporting the FoI Reform Bill. Good to have support of journalists who have practical experience of how the law does and does not work. @nujscotland.bsky.social @robedwards5.bsky.social @joycemcm.bsky.social

The Scot Parliament’s SPPA Committee is consulting on the FoI Reform Bill. They want 2 hear ur views by 22 October 2025 so a great opportunity to declare your support for better enforceable FoI rights. yourviews.parliament.scot/sppa/freedom... @foi.scot @KatySClark @nujscotland.bsky.social

September newsletter Inside the latest instalment of our newsletter

Information on upcoming free events An update on the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Act Scottish Government legal challenge to Scottish Information Commissioner decision New body designated under FoISA Rating Scotland and UK FoI laws FoI in Europe FoI Globally and more...

Have a look inside the September instalment of our newsletter!

If you want to find out more, sign up to our newsletter via the ‘Support Us’ page on our website: www.cfois.scot/support-us/

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Did you know that you can get updates on Freedom of Information requests?

WhatDoTheyKnow, a service from mySociety, has resources for making an FoI request, viewing requests and viewing authorities. The website also has a function whereby you can sign up to be notified of FoI requests and/or responses. You can tailor the alerts so that you receive emails about the requests and responses that you want to see.

Sign up now via the WhatDoTheyKnow website!

Did you know that you can register to receive regular updates on Freedom of Information requests and responses?

Sign up via the @whatdotheyknow.bsky.social website: www.whatdotheyknow.com/list/success...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Austria enacts Freedom of Information Act

On September 1st, Austria’s Freedom of Information Act (Informationsfreiheitsgesetz or ‘IFG’) and a constitutional amendment intended to abolish official secrecy came into effect.

The IFG introduces some important changes, including: the ability to request the disclosure of documents introduction of a proactive publication obligation introduction of a fundamental right to information shortening of deadlines no cost applications

At a time when other countries are undermining FoI rights and duties, the introduction of an FoI law by Austria is an encouraging development. Katy Clark MSP’s Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill provides an opportunity for Scotland to join Austria in leading the way on FoI.

Austria enacted the Freedom of Information Act (Informationsfreiheitsgesetz or ‘IFG’) earlier this month.

Read more here: cms.law/en/aut/news-...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Thousands of opioid deaths missed off official figures The error - affecting England and Wales - raises concerns about the impact on the government's approach to drug deaths.

The reliability of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for England & Wales relies on coroners naming specific substances on death certificates, something which often does not happen. Evidenced based policies & services depend on accurate data. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Freedom of information campaigner Peter Forsskål

In 1759, Peter Forsskål published a pamphlet, printed by Lars Salvius, which called for civil liberties. It was recalled on the day of its publication and swiftly banned and those who were found to have a copy were subject to a serious fine, which was the equivalent of two years salary for a ship’s captain.

Despite these challenges, the text was still circulated and contributed greatly to access to information, with the abolition of prior censorship getting established in 1766 by law in Sweden, as a result of the pamphlet. The pamphlet is now available to read online.

Sources: Peter Forsskål Website, ‘Peter Forsskål: Thoughts on Civil Liberty’

Find out more about Peter Forsskål who campaigned for the right to freedom of information.

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

The SPPA Cttee has met in Private 2 consider & agree its approach to Stage 1 of the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill. CFoIS looks forward to participating in the Stage 1 process and engaging with MSPs of all parties. @severincarrell.bsky.social @robedwards5.bsky.social @davieclegg

FOI Reform - extending rights and strengthening duties

Thank you to the attendees of yesterday’s Bill Brunch ‘FOI Reform - extending rights and strengthening duties’ with Common Weal for facilitating a successful event and engaging discussion!

Register to attend our next event via Eventbrite now! The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet at The Scottish Parliament and online on the 26th of September to celebrate 20 years of FoISA with a focus on whether Scotland will become a global FoI leader.

Thank you to yesterday’s attendees at the Bill Brunch in collaboration with Common Weal, for an engaging session!

Sign up to our next event, SPIF, here: www.eventbrite.com/e/scottish-p...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Today @ 9am, the Standards, Procedures & Public Appointments Committee of the ScotParl will meet 2 discuss the Stage 1 process for the FoI Reform Bill. CFoIS wishes the Cttee well in its deliberations & looks forward to sharing our views on why legal reform is necessary & urgent. @_MWhitfield

Event The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet on the 26th of September to celebrate 20 years of FoISA Free Location: Committee Room 2, Scottish Parliament Building, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP or join online 26 September at 11:00AM to 1:00PM GMT

The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet on the 26th of September to celebrate 20 years of FoISA with a focus on whether Scotland will become a global FoI leader. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting will be chaired by Lord Wallace of Tankerness who, as Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, piloted the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill through the Scottish Parliament in 2002.

Speakers include: David Clegg, Editor of the Dundee Courier Katy Clark MSP who introduced the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament on 2nd June David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner Former Scottish Information Commissioners Kevin Dunion, Rosemary Agnew and Daren Fitzhenry

Previously, the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) convened, online, on the 16th of June 2025, with 65 people from across Scotland in attendance. For information on the impact and use of FoISA, check out ‘Celebrating 20 years of FOI - in 20 numbers’ published by the Commissioner. You can book a free ticket via Eventbrite.

The next Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) meeting, led by CFoIS, will take place at the Scottish Parliament and online on the 26th of September at 11AM!

Book a ticket here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1454818955...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi

Event Bill Brunch: FOI Reform - extending rights and strengthening duties In conjunction with Common Weal. Free Online Wednesday 3 September at 11:30AM to 12:30PM GMT

CFoIS recently announced a series of briefings on the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, called ‘Bill Brunches’. The third Bill Brunch will be held in conjunction with the Common Weal, the title is “FOI Reform - extending rights and strengthening duties”. It will explain and discuss the purpose and impact of the FoI Reform Bill which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Katy Clark MSP on 2nd June 2025.

These Bill Brunches will be an hour long, taking place online, with CFoIS leading them. Keep an eye on the news page of our website for more details. Tickets for the third Bill Brunch are available to book via EventBrite now.

CFoIS announces a series of briefings on the FoI Reform Bill, called ‘Bill Brunches’.

Find out more about the third event, in conjunction with @thecommonweal.bsky.social, below and book a ticket here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1586413658...

#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #event #foi