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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

@cfoiscot

CFolS campaigns for a robust legal right to access information so people can find out how they are governed and how 'public' services operate.

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Posts 06.12.2024
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Latest posts by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot

Almost all of the most viral posts reviewed by WIRED on Saturday came from accounts with blue check marks, meaning they pay X for its premium service and could be eligible to earn money based on how much engagement their posts generate, even if the content is false

01.03.2026 13:01 👍 5 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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🎙️Listen to CFOI Director Maurice Frankel OBE on the latest episode of the Guardians of Data Podcast, discussing the remarkable story behind the UK’s FOI Act

Do not miss previous podcasts with the excellent @jonbainesdata.bsky.social and @lynnwyeth.bsky.social!

actnowtraining.blog/2026/03/04/g...

06.03.2026 09:11 👍 4 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0

Tonight the general principles of Katy Clark MSP's FoI Reform Bill were supported by 63 MSPs with 59 against. The Bill will return in the next session of Parliament. CFoIS accepts the challenge to work for its quick progression to restore FoI rights and strengthen enforcement of duties.

17.02.2026 21:02 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Scot Parl has voted for the general principles of Katy Clark MSP's FoI Reform Bill but amended by @suewebbermsp.bsky.social to 'highlight the time pressure in the current parliamentary session and the views in the stage 1 report, including that FoI reform should be addressed in the next parliament'

17.02.2026 20:53 👍 2 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0

Thank you to @suewebbermsp.bsky.social and Annie Wells MSP for agreeing that legislation is needed to reform FoI law in Scotland and their support going forward to make that happen.

17.02.2026 16:42 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Thanks to Katy Clark MSP & @richardleonardmsp.bsky.social for setting out clearly the reasons for, & urgency, of FoI reform. Thanks also to @jamiegreeneuk.bsky.social @patrickharvie.bsky.social & Graham Simpson MSP for supporting the FoI Bill's general principles. We await the vote tonight at 7:30.

17.02.2026 16:34 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@mrosenbaum.bsky.social

17.02.2026 13:11 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@cosla.gov.uk @solacescotland.bsky.social @gmbscotland.bsky.social @crossreach.bsky.social @carerscoalition.bsky.social

17.02.2026 13:08 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@fbunational.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @hackedoff.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @siecobywatelska.bsky.social

17.02.2026 11:03 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org

17.02.2026 11:03 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Text reads: Support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill Photo shows CFoIS Director Carole Ewart and Katy Clark MSP at the Scottish Parliament

Text reads: Support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill Photo shows CFoIS Director Carole Ewart and Katy Clark MSP at the Scottish Parliament

Text reads: The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee concluded in its Stage 1 report on the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill that “legislation is now needed to update the freedom of information regime in Scotland.” MSPs should show their support for this conclusion by voting for the Bill at Stage 1 and send a clear message that strong FoI rights and duties matter.

Text reads: The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee concluded in its Stage 1 report on the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill that “legislation is now needed to update the freedom of information regime in Scotland.” MSPs should show their support for this conclusion by voting for the Bill at Stage 1 and send a clear message that strong FoI rights and duties matter.

The SPPA Committee concluded in its Stage 1 report that “legislation is now needed to update the freedom of information regime in Scotland.”

MSPs should show their support by voting for the Bill at Stage 1 and send a clear message that strong FoI rights and duties matter.

#FoIReformNow

17.02.2026 10:45 👍 1 🔁 2 💬 4 📌 0

@fbunational.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @hackedoff.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social

16.02.2026 20:24 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org

16.02.2026 20:22 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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CFoIS calls for the enforceable right to Freedom of Information to be strengthened through legislative reform. Ahead of tomorrow's crucial vote on the FoI Reform Bill, 17th Feb, this is an opportunity to send a clear message for greater transparency and accountability to enable scrutiny.

16.02.2026 20:16 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0

@fbunational.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @hackedoff.bsky.social

16.02.2026 14:39 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org

16.02.2026 14:39 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@fbunational.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @hackedoff.bsky.social

16.02.2026 14:39 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org

16.02.2026 14:38 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into effect at the beginning of 2005. It provided rights to see information held by public bodies, such as the Scottish Government and local councils. It was a huge innovation at the time. However, I believe that time has moved on and those rights need to catch up with the world we live in now.” - Dr Derek Manson Smith, Treasurer, the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into effect at the beginning of 2005. It provided rights to see information held by public bodies, such as the Scottish Government and local councils. It was a huge innovation at the time. However, I believe that time has moved on and those rights need to catch up with the world we live in now.” - Dr Derek Manson Smith, Treasurer, the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

CFoIS Treasurer Dr Derek Manson Smith tells us why he backs the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

16.02.2026 13:14 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 2 📌 0
Text reads: “FOI, introduced over 20 years ago, was an important milestone in the new Scottish Parliament. FOI was, and remains, consistent with founding principles of the Scottish Parliament: openness, accessibility and accountability. Change has occurred since; however, we need to make sure that FOI keeps up and ensure all those, including contractors, involved in delivering public services are also accountable to FOI. CWU fully supports Katy Clark’s updated legislation and hopes that the Parliament does too.” - Communications Workers Union (CWU)

Text reads: “FOI, introduced over 20 years ago, was an important milestone in the new Scottish Parliament. FOI was, and remains, consistent with founding principles of the Scottish Parliament: openness, accessibility and accountability. Change has occurred since; however, we need to make sure that FOI keeps up and ensure all those, including contractors, involved in delivering public services are also accountable to FOI. CWU fully supports Katy Clark’s updated legislation and hopes that the Parliament does too.” - Communications Workers Union (CWU)

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is the best vehicle for updating FoI laws!
@cwunews.bsky.social

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

16.02.2026 11:19 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 2 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org @fbunational.bsky.social

14.02.2026 16:54 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org @fbunational.bsky.social

14.02.2026 16:53 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org @fbunational.bsky.social

14.02.2026 16:52 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @rmtunion.bsky.social @mysociety.org

14.02.2026 16:52 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

@hrcscotland.bsky.social @fbunational.bsky.social @aslefunion.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social @law-democracy.bsky.social @cwunews.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social @alliancescot.bsky.social @scottishtuc.bsky.social @mysociety.org

14.02.2026 16:51 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “Freedom of Information has a vital role to play in supporting transparency, democracy and accountability. It is clear that the current framework there are too many opportunities for information to be withheld, leading to a lack of scrutiny over decision making. RMT is therefore supporting the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is seeking to introduce much needed legal reform to the FOI framework in Scotland.” - The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “Freedom of Information has a vital role to play in supporting transparency, democracy and accountability. It is clear that the current framework there are too many opportunities for information to be withheld, leading to a lack of scrutiny over decision making. RMT is therefore supporting the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is seeking to introduce much needed legal reform to the FOI framework in Scotland.” - The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is a timely and welcome piece of legislation.
@rmtunion.bsky.social

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

14.02.2026 16:00 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Text reads: FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill has widespread support “FBU Scotland supports this Bill and the desire to see transparency in all aspects of the provision of public services, whether directly or indirectly. It will help to ensure accountability extends to include the arm's length contracts that are so prevalent in the public sector, and to strengthen the current legislation to prevent circumvention of their responsibilities. The public need to be able to hold companies and bodies to account, this Bill helps us do that.” - Fire Brigades Union Scotland (FBU)

Text reads: FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill has widespread support “FBU Scotland supports this Bill and the desire to see transparency in all aspects of the provision of public services, whether directly or indirectly. It will help to ensure accountability extends to include the arm's length contracts that are so prevalent in the public sector, and to strengthen the current legislation to prevent circumvention of their responsibilities. The public need to be able to hold companies and bodies to account, this Bill helps us do that.” - Fire Brigades Union Scotland (FBU)

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland tells us why they support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!
@fbunational.bsky.social

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

14.02.2026 13:00 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill “Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) believes that the Scottish Freedom of Information Act is essential in enabling human rights defenders (both organisations and individuals) to access the information they require to effectively campaign and lobby for change. Following 20 years of high impact, we are supportive of the work ongoing by the Campaign for Freedom of Information Scotland and its partners to update the Act.”

Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill “Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) believes that the Scottish Freedom of Information Act is essential in enabling human rights defenders (both organisations and individuals) to access the information they require to effectively campaign and lobby for change. Following 20 years of high impact, we are supportive of the work ongoing by the Campaign for Freedom of Information Scotland and its partners to update the Act.”

Human Rights Consortium Scotland @hrcscotland.bsky.social sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill would strengthen human rights in Scotland.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

14.02.2026 10:11 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Text reads: Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill enjoys widespread support The SPPA Committee’s call for views shows widespread support for the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill. Photo shows someone writing in a notebook

Text reads: Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill enjoys widespread support The SPPA Committee’s call for views shows widespread support for the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill. Photo shows someone writing in a notebook

Text reads: 84% of respondents supported introducing a presumption in favour of information disclosure when considering the application of a qualified exemption; 80% supported repealing the publication scheme duty and introducing a duty to proactively publish; 69% supported pausing, rather than resetting, the 20-working day response clock when seeking clarification; 76% supported introducing a Freedom of Information Officer in each Scottish public authority;

Text reads: 84% of respondents supported introducing a presumption in favour of information disclosure when considering the application of a qualified exemption; 80% supported repealing the publication scheme duty and introducing a duty to proactively publish; 69% supported pausing, rather than resetting, the 20-working day response clock when seeking clarification; 76% supported introducing a Freedom of Information Officer in each Scottish public authority;

Text reads: 76% supported creating an offence where information is destroyed with intent to prevent disclosure, even if no information request has been made; 76% supported repealing the First Minister’s veto power; 74% supported the proposals relating to the general functions and enforcement powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner. CFoIS urges MSPs from all parties to vote for the general principles of the Bill at the Stage 1 debate on Tuesday.

Text reads: 76% supported creating an offence where information is destroyed with intent to prevent disclosure, even if no information request has been made; 76% supported repealing the First Minister’s veto power; 74% supported the proposals relating to the general functions and enforcement powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner. CFoIS urges MSPs from all parties to vote for the general principles of the Bill at the Stage 1 debate on Tuesday.

The FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill has widespread support, as evidenced in the Committee's call for views. CFoIS urges MSPs from all parties to vote for the general principles of the Bill at the Stage 1 debate on Tuesday.

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

13.02.2026 16:51 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “The Centre for Law and Democracy congratulates Scotland on 20 years of successful implementation of its Freedom of Information Act. We recently assessed the Act on our respected RTI Rating and it earned a score of 103 points out of a possible total of 150, which would put it in 36th place from among the 150 countries which have such laws. Although this is positive, we support the work by the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland (CFoIS) to build all-party support for reform of the Act to further improve it.”

Text reads: FoI Reform proves popular “The Centre for Law and Democracy congratulates Scotland on 20 years of successful implementation of its Freedom of Information Act. We recently assessed the Act on our respected RTI Rating and it earned a score of 103 points out of a possible total of 150, which would put it in 36th place from among the 150 countries which have such laws. Although this is positive, we support the work by the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland (CFoIS) to build all-party support for reform of the Act to further improve it.”

The Centre for Law and Democracy @law-democracy.bsky.social backs the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill!

#FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati

13.02.2026 10:00 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0