Blue background with calendar with coloured pins in random dates. Text: Dates for the Diary 2026.
2026 is already shaping up to be a busy year 🗓️ Our latest newsletter highlights key dates to add to your diary so you can stay up to date with what’s happening in FOI.
👇👇
tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#FOI #Newsletter #ScottishInformationCommissioner
Wooden cubes with letters reading 'evidence'.
Concerned that disclosure could cause harm? Evidence is key🗝️ This month’s Decisions & Learning 🎓highlights the need for clear detail when authorities claim harm. Find out more 👉 tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#Newletter #FOI #Scottishinformationcommissioner
Winding library shelves.
It wouldn’t be an Open Update without our Decisions & Learning section 🎓
This month we highlight a case where who actually held the requested information was up for debate. Read our decision here 👉 tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#FOI #Newsletter #ScottishInformationCommissioner
Group of people all holding puzzle pieces together.
Our latest newsletter has updates on some recent FOI interventions - and highlights the benefits an intervention can bring to an organisation. Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#newsletter #foi #scottishinformationcommissioner
Blurred conference scene with someone at the front presenting to people.
FOI Fest, a one-day UK-wide FOI conference, takes place on 19 February. For full details and sign-up info, head to our latest newsletter 👇
tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#FOI #ScottishInformationCommissioner #newsletter #event
Purple background with the text: "eCase FOI Awards 2026".
Edinburgh hosts the first Scottish eCase FOI Awards 🏆 conference this March. Discover more in our latest newsletter 👀 tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#FOI #scottishinformationcommissioner #awards #scotland #newsletter
Different coloured speech bubbles on a teal coloured background.
Should FOI apply to private and third sector care providers? 🤔The Scottish Government is calling for views. Our recent newsletter goes into more detail. Find out more and have your say here 👉 tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#newsletter #foi #scottishinformationcommissioner
A flat lay set up with a pair or reading glasses, cup of coffee, keyboard, and a newspaper with the title: "what's new?"
Our first Open Update of 2026 has landed ✨ A packed issue covering the Scottish Government’s care sector consultation, several FOI events coming soon, and an update on some recent interventions. Read it here: tinyurl.com/JanNews2026
#newsletter #foi #scotland
Text: "Open Update email newsletter. FOI news, updates & learning straight to your inbox." Alongside image of a loading bar saying 100% complete.
Are you signed up to our FOI newsletter?
We’ve got a new issue in the works - our first newsletter of 2026!
You can sign up by scrolling to the bottom of any page on our website: foi.scot
Text: Latest Decision 315/2025 Scottish Ministers. Alongside image of Scottish Parliament.
Today, the Commissioner has issued Decision 315/2025. This considers the same withheld info as Decision 279/2025 and requires the same compliance but with a later compliance date, due to the later issuing of this decision.
To read more, visit: www.foi.scot/decision-3152025
“These issues need to be urgently addressed if NHS Fife is to meet its legal duties, and I will work constructively with the board to help get its FOI function back on track, for the benefit of all.” Scottish Information Commissioner, David Hamilton
The Commissioner has initiated a Level 4 intervention at NHS Fife - a rare step taken to address serious concerns and support improvements in FOI practice.
Find out more: tinyurl.com/Level4FOI
Picture of David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner alongside text: "This case reflects poorly on the Scottish Governments handling, and I trust it will take urgent action to prevent such occurrences happening again..."
In his latest decision, the Commissioner finds a number of failures in relation to elements of the Scottish Government’s handling of a complex case – read more at: www.foi.scot/commissioner-requires-disclosure-information-relating-james-hamilton-investigation
Text: "Latest decision 279/2025 Scottish Government" below is a picture of a large building.
Our latest decision requires the disclosure of some of the written evidence supplied to an investigation to determine whether former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.
To read more, visit: www.foi.scot/decision-2792025
#FOI #Scotland
Event The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet on the 1st of December to update on the FoISA Reform Bill and celebrate Human Rights Defenders Day and International Human Rights Day Free Location: Online 1 December at 2:00PM to 4:00PM GMT
The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet on the 1st of December to celebrate Human Rights Defenders Day and International Human Rights Day. An update on the Stage 1 process of the Bill will be provided and the focus of the event will be on championing FoI as an ‘Everyday Essential’ Human Right. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Speakers include: Felicitas Strickmann from FragDenStaat, a non-profit project of the Open Knowledge Foundation Deutschland David Hamilton, Scottish Information Commissioner Deborah Clark, UK Information Commissioner’s Office Michael Birrell, Scottish Government Carole Ewart, CFoIS
Previously, the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) convened, in person at the Scottish Parliament and online, on the 26th September 2025, with 45 people from across Scotland in attendance. You can book a free ticket for SPIF via Eventbrite now.
The next SPIF meeting is just around the corner. The agenda includes a presentation from Felicitas Strickmann of FragDenStaat. Get a ticket now to avoid missing out!
Tickets available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/scottish-p...
#FoISAReform25 #freedomofinformation #humanrights #foi #event
Image of Scottish Information Commissioner, David Hamilton with quote: "After 20 years, it's undoubtedly time for a refresh of Scotland's FOI law - not least because of the massive changes in both how we access information and how public bodies deliver their services."
@da.vidh.scot and Paul Mutch, Deputy Head of Policy & Info, are giving evidence at the Scottish Parliament today on the FOI Reform Bill. Watch live here: www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/stan...
The Commissioner expresses frustration over East Dunbartonshire Council’s non-compliance with Decision Notices - highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement powers proposed in the FOI Reform Bill. Read more: www.foi.scot/commissioner-expresses-frustration-local-authority-compliance-failure
Purple background with text: "eCase FOI Awards 2026. eCaseFOIAwards.co.uk"
🌟 From individuals to whole teams, the #eCaseFOIAwards shine a light on those making FOI work better for everyone. Be part of it – nominate now 👉 ecasefoiawards.co.uk #eCaseFOIAwards
Person with a thumbs up along with text: “Appeal Proof your FOI – Free lunchtime webinar for public authority staff.”
Join our free Appeal-Proofing lunchtime webinar for practical advice on reducing the risk of reviews and appeals using experiences from our decisions and interventions.
📅 25 Nov or 4 Dec
💻 MS Teams
🔗 tinyurl.com/AppealProof
Do you think that FOI is working well in Scotland? 🤔 The Commissioner thinks so, but he also believes that improvements are needed. Find out more in our annual report 👉 www.foi.scot/2024-25-annual-report
Black background with open book with sticky tabs. Text: Holyrood Freedom of Information 2025 20 Years of FOISA.
Who’s joining us at #HolyroodFOI this year? 🙋♀️🙋♂️
Tag your colleagues, invite your team, and make it a day of shared learning and networking.
Book your tickets here 👉 tinyurl.com/HolyroodFOI
Open Update email newsletter: FOI news, updates & learning straight to your inbox. Image of purple curtain backdrop with someone holding a trophy.
🏆This month’s newsletter is calling for nominations for the eCase FOI Awards. If you know an FOI practitioner or team who you think deserves some recognition, visit: tinyurl.com/FOIOctNews to find out how to nominate before submissions close at the end of Nov!
Infographic featuring the text: “We closed 784 cases – our highest ever! We closed 65% more cases than in 2023/24. Our average appeal closure time was 8.52 months. www.foi.scot/2024-25-annual-report
We’ve had a busy year! 👀 Have a look at how many cases we have closed in 2024-25! We had a huge increase in cases closed throughout the year 📈… and we’ll be working hard to continue resolving our cases over the coming year.
www.foi.scot/2024-25-annual...
Black background with open book with sticky tabs. Text: Holyrood Freedom of Information 2025 20 Years of FOISA.
2025 marks 20 years of Freedom of Information in Scotland 🥳
Join key voices past and present at #HolyroodFOI to celebrate how far we’ve come, and what’s next.
Don’t miss out! 👉 tinyurl.com/HolyroodFOI
Open Update email newsletter: FOI news, updates & learning straight to your inbox. Image of open book with sticky notes. Text alongside: Freedom of Information 2025. 20 years of FOISA.
🎟️Tickets to this year’s Holyrood FOI Conference are still available…it’s taking place at Dynamic Earth on 18 November – visit our newsletter to find out how you can book your ticket before they sell out! Visit: tinyurl.com/FOIOctNews
Person with a thumbs up along with text: “Appeal Proof your FOI – Free lunchtime webinar for public authority staff.”
Calling all FOI practitioners! 📢
Join our free lunchtime webinar to learn how to appeal-proof your FOI responses.
Get practical tips from our experts on reducing reviews and appeals.
📅 25 Nov or 4 Dec | 💻 MS Teams | 🔗 tinyurl.com/AppealProof
Appeals to the Commissioner can vary hugely throughout just one year – take a look at our video to give you a quick sneak peek to just how diverse our topics can be!
For more info on what else we have got up to this year, visit: www.foi.scot/2024-25-annual-report
Open Update email newsletter: FOI news, updates & learning straight to your inbox. Flat lay image of someone's hands on a laptop with a coffee and notepad with text beside saying Webinar.
📰 Have you signed up to our latest newsletter? If not, you won’t have heard about the launch of our ‘Appeal-Proof your FOI’ lunchtime webinars for FOI staff. To find out more, and book a space, visit 👇
tinyurl.com/FOIOctNews
Black background with open book with sticky tabs. Text: Holyrood Freedom of Information 2025 20 Years of FOISA.
From practical workshops to inspiring keynotes, #HolyroodFOI brings together FOI professionals across Scotland to share insights and build connections.
Spaces are limited secure your ticket today 👉 tinyurl.com/HolyroodFOI
Purple background with text: "eCase FOI Awards 2026. eCaseFOIAwards.co.uk"
Has your team smashed FOI improvements or nailed consistency? Either are nomination worthy! 🏆 Nominate for the #eCaseFOIAwards now, visit:https://ecasefoiawards.co.uk
Annual report in numbers, 335 decision notices issued, our highest ever! 74% of requests made in Scotland saw information being disclosed. We carried out 255 interventions to support improvements in public authority FOI practice. We experienced a 12.5% increase in our enforcement workload.
Our annual report showcases a busy year 🌟 highlighting our highest number of decision notices issued along with 75% of requests in Scotland resulting in info being disclosed to the requester! Find out more 👇
www.foi.scot/2024-25-annual...
