The Scottish Information Commissioner has published her annual report for 2012/13. Key facts are as follows:
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The Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner (OSIC) received 594 FOI appeals in the year. This was an increase of 14% on last year, and an increase of 49% over the last 5 years.
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27% of appeals related to a failure to respond within FOI timescales. This is the largest proportion of such appeals to date.
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The OSIC found completely in the requesters’ favour in 37% of cases, completely in authorities’ favour in 37% and partially in favour of requesters / authorities in the remainder.
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OSIC closed 564 cases, a 9% increase on last year.
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OSIC has introduced new resources to advise and assist public authorities and requesters.
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OSIC has announced its strategy for improving performance of FOI in Scotland by adding value.
FOI continues to be used predominantly by members of the public, as illustrated by the examples in report. These show the range of important “real-life” community issues for which FOI is used on a daily basis.
During the year Act Now Training received valuable feedback from the Scottish Information Commissioner in respect of our certificated course; the Practitioner Certificate in the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. The course is also endorsed by the Centre for FOI based at Dundee University.
If you’re considering joining the course, what can you expect? Read what the tutor has to say and have a go at the FOISA test.
Forthcoming Webinars
EI(S)Rs 2004: An Introduction
18th Oct 2013 @ 10:00am | http://www.actnow.org.uk/courses/966
The FOI (Scotland) Act 2002: An Introduction
28th Nov 2013 @ 10:00am | http://www.actnow.org.uk/courses/971
FOISA 2002: An Update – 28th Nov 2013 @ 11:30am – http://www.actnow.org.uk/courses/972
Recordings also available – Please email info@actnow.org.uk for more details
