Information - Organisational

Freedom of Information (FOI)

"Anyone - from anywhere in the world - has a right to see any kind of recorded information from a Scottish public authority, however old the information is.  You do not have to say why you want the information or what you want it for and the authority is obliged to respond to all information requests they receive within 20 working days of receipt." Scottish Information Commissioner website

Information on your rights, and how to go about exercising them, are available on the website of the Scottish Information Commissioner at www.itspublicknowledge.info/home/ScottishInformationCommissioner.asp.

 

Use of FOI for the voluntary sector

FOI could be a valuable tool for many voluntary organisations, but to date the Scottish Information Commissioner reported surprisingly low rates of appeals (4%) to his office from the sector. (2009)

The website of the Scottish Information Commissioner advises that the FOI legislation "provides a right of access to information held by public authorities that can be used to both support individual clients, or pursue wider organisation or campaign goals". To help organisations do this, the website includes a section of Resources for the voluntary sector -http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/home/SICResources/ResourcesCivil.asp

"Since 2008, the Commissioner has been undertaking work to explore the extent to which campaign groups and voluntary organisations are making use of FOI legislation, while also developing resources and creating opportunities to ensure that the voluntary sector has the information it needs to use its rights effectively.

This work has come in the wake of evidence suggesting that the voluntary sector may be failing to make full use of its FOI rights. Indeed, in 2010, only 3% of appeals were received from the voluntary sector, compared to 74% from members of the public." For further information see the Scottish Information Commissioner's website at http://www.itspublicknowledge.info/inyourhands/voluntary-sector.html

Disclaimer; Enabling Accessibility

If you experience problems downloading any documents, or unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you would like some help, please contact MVA’s Information Officer, who will try to help you.