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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland

@cfoiscot.bsky.social
202 followers 328 following 221 posts

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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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
On Right to Know Day, our article champions Scotland’s FoI law & its system of enforcement to protect rights & ensure public bodies comply with their duties. Useful learning in advance of publication of Scotland’s Human Rights Bill, now delayed until 2027. @hrcs.bsky.social tfn.scot/opinion/cele...
tfn.scot
Celebrating the Enforcement of Rights - TFN
Happy International Right to Know Day, celebrated by NGOs globally on 28th September and adopted by UNESCO in 2015 as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Today we celebrate the global International Right to Know Day & Scotland’s FoI law which acts as a shield 2 disinformation and fake news. It’s a law to help the curious, the disempowered and those upset by decisions which impact on their lives. A law to champion! 🏆@scottishtuc.bsky.social
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
@eCase.co.uk is surveying UK FoI practitioners to discover what is ‘The State of FOI 2026'. Gr8 idea so please take the short survey. CFoIS benefits 2 as eCase is donating £10 for each completed response, split equally with us & the English Campaign for FoI form.typeform.com/to/fKCrqa3K?...
form.typeform.com
The State of FOI in the Public Sector
Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Just Fair @justfairuk.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
🏠 The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing is seeking evidence on how local authorities and community-led initiatives are making the right to housing a reality. Have examples, research or lived experience to share? Deadline: 21 September www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for...
ohchr.org
OHCHR | Call for Input: Localizing the right to adequate housing: How local governments and community-led initiatives can contribute to the realization of the right to adequate housing
BackgroundCommunities and local governments around the world are managing to put in place effective policies in relation to the right to adequate housing overcoming the lack of will or capacity of nat...
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Just Fair @justfairuk.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
📢 We’re recruiting a new Director at Just Fair. Lead our talented team and help drive our mission to advance economic, social and cultural rights across the UK. ⏰ 28 hours | Home-based | £68–73k pro rata + benefits 📆 Deadline: 5 Oct, 9am ✏️ Apply: www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/just-fa...
charityjob.co.uk
Director | Just Fair | CharityJob
Apply now for Director. , £68,000 - £73,000 per year (pro rata), find a career with meaning today
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Audit Scotland’s NFI carries out investigations bi-annually not every year. People use enforceable FoI rights 2 check on the robust procedures used by public bodies to prevent & detect fraud & errors. FoI builds public trust, empowers people & communities. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Watchdog finds £22m of fraud and errors in Scotland's public services
They include overpaid pensions, council tax discounts that should not have been claimed and £1.1m in duplicate payments for goods and services.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Plzd eCase has launched a consultation for FoI practitioners on how AI is affecting volume requests, if requests are more complex and driving forces in compliance. Look forward to reading results @cosla.gov.uk @scotsarchives.bsky.social @ecase.co.uk form.typeform.com/to/fKCrqa3K?...
form.typeform.com
The State of FOI in the Public Sector
Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Case law requires that interference with the confidentiality of journalistic sources cannot be compatible with Article 10 of the ECHR unless justified by an overriding requirement in the public interest - ‘convincingly established’. @nujofficial.bsky.social
scottishlegal.com
Investigatory Powers Tribunal awards damages to Northern Ireland journalist after police interference in communications data
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal has awarded £20,000 in damages to Vincent Kearney, the former BBC Northern Ireland home affairs correspondent, after finding that police and MI5 interference in...
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Predictable opposition from private care sector to empowering service users & their families exercising enforceable FoI rights. We expect ScotGovt to legislate 2 enable informed scrutiny! @unison.org.uk @scottishtuc.bsky.social @gmbcampaigns.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2642982...
heraldscotland.com
Information commissioner backs extending FOI for care homes but operators resist
Scotland's care home providers have urged ministers to exempt them from Freedom of Information law but families and unpaid carers who responded…
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Nominations for the 2026 Helen Darbishire Award are invited to celebrate those who use access 2 information rights to advance human rights, the rule of law, transparency & government accountability, anti-corruption efforts, or environmental protection. @nujscotland.bsky.social
docs.google.com
Application and Nomination Form
The Helen Darbishire Award recognises those who have significantly leveraged their right of access to information to advance human rights, the rule of law, transparency and government accountability, ...
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Thank you to all who attended yesterday's successful meeting of the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) at the Scottish Parliament and online.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Clarity on new case management measure it “will not be applied generally to all individuals” who have more than 5 FoI appeals at any one time - used only when an evidenced pattern of appeal submissions likely to have a negative impact on the whole FOI regime. www.foi.scot/new-measure-...
foi.scot
New measure aims to protect FOI rights from danger of 'AI overload' | Scottish Information Commissioner
Read more about a new preventative measure to protect FOI rights from the impact of large volumes of 'machine generated' requests and appeals.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
CFoIS invites you to the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF), taking place at the Scottish Parliament and online on this coming Monday at 10:30AM! Book a free ticket via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/1989315598... #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
CFoIS Director Carole Ewart has written for @thirdforcenews.bsky.social about the progress of the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill, which will be considered at Stage 2 by newly elected MSPs. Read the article here: tfn.scot/opinion/will... #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #foi #ati
Text reads: CFoIS Director writes about the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill for Third Force News
Screenshot of Third Force News website article 'Will MSPs meet demands for FoI reform?'
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Just Fair @justfairuk.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🚨 Breaking: 76 civil society orgs have written to the UK Gov calling for economic, social & cultural rights to be recognised. 50 years ago today, the UK ratified #ICESCR50 and promised rights including housing, food & health. That promise remains unfulfilled. Read 👇 justfair.org.uk/wp-content/u...
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Great news! Freedom of Information awareness in Scotland is at its highest ever. Read the full report from the Scottish Information Commissioner here: www.foi.scot/public-aware... #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi (1/2)
Photo shows a laptop and a piece of paper with a pencil on top
Text reads: Great News! Freedom of Information awareness in Scotland is at its highest ever.Text reads: Research published in May 2026 by the Scottish Information Commissioner finds public awareness of FoI in Scotland has reached its highest level since the right was introduced in 2005.

Of the 1,057 adults surveyed, 93% reported having heard of FoI, an increase of 5% since the 2024 poll.

Support for FoI remains strong, with respondents viewing it as an important contributor to openness and accountability.Text reads: The polling also revealed that:
97% think it's important for the public to be able to access information held by public bodies;
75% believe FoI helps to prevent bad practice in public bodies;
90% are more likely to trust an organisation that publishes a lot of information about its work; and
93% believe public bodies should provide support to people who want to access public information.Text reads: There is a gap between expectation and practice – 43% said they were not confident they would receive a response to an FoI request but most Scottish public bodies do comply with the law.  In the last year, they responded within the 20 working days timeframe, to more than 86% of the 110,000+ requests received and 76% of requests resulted in full or partial disclosure of information.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Our Blog explains why reforming Scotland’s FoI law is supported by the public and the already tabled bill is an opportunity for all our newly elected MSPs to quickly deliver on a matter of public interest and fix evidenced problems tfn.scot/opinion/will...
tfn.scot
Will MSPs meet demands for FoI reform? - TFN
Carole Ewart on the progress of Katy Clark MSP’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
SLAPPs are a society-wide problem and need a society-wide remedy, yet the UK Government remains silent on protecting courts and public interest speech. A huge missed opportunity that will affect everyone antislapp.uk/2026/05/13/k... #StopSLAPPs #KingsSpeech
antislapp.uk
Yet again, anti-SLAPP provisions are missing from the King's Speech. We all stand to lose out. - UK Anti-Slapp Coalition
The 2026 King's Speech did not include a commitment to stop SLAPPs, leaving everyone who speaks out vulnerable
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Today is the King's Speech for UK government to outline its priorities. We have a question: will journalists, campaigners & activists be protected from legal bullies weaponising the law 2 silence public interest speech? Will UK govt commit to anti-SLAPP legislation? #StopSLAPPs
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
CFoIS invites you to the Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF), taking place at the Scottish Parliament and online on the 8th of June at 10:30AM! Book a free ticket via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/1989315598... #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi
Text reads: Event

The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet on the 8th of June, chaired by John McLellan from Newsbrands Scotland
 
Free 

Location: Committee Room 5,
Scottish Parliament Building, 
Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP or join online

Monday 8 June at 10:30 - 12:30 GMTText reads: The Scottish Public Information Forum (SPIF) will meet on the 8th of June, chaired by John McLellan from Newsbrands Scotland.

Everyone is welcome to attend.Text reads: Speaker:
Katy Clark MSP on progressing the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill through Stages 2 and 3 at the Scottish Parliament.

Reports will be given by:
David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner
The Scottish Government
CFoISText reads: Book a free ticket via Eventbrite now.
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Campaigners are calling for transparency around plans to expand Scotland’s only AI growth zone on green belt land
thenational.scot
Anger over plans to expand Scotland’s only AI growth zone on green belt land
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Media freedom under pressure - despite policy and legal progress. “Public service media (PSM) came under increasing pressure, choked by political interference or financial instability, severely impairing its ability to provide unbiased and diverse public information.”
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Liberties.EU @liberties.eu · 28/04/2026
1/ 🔥The Liberties Media Freedom Report 2026 is hot off the press 🗞️ #MediaFreedomReport2026 key takeaways: media freedom and pluralism in the EU continued to deteriorate in 2025 — despite new EU rules meant to strengthen protections. Read the full report: link.liberties.eu/c1f12c 👇🧵
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Please support the CFoIS Manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections to secure transparency by design across public services. #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #foi #scotland #election
Text reads: Holyrood Manifesto
Campaign for Freedom of Information (CFoIS)
CFoIS invites all candidates for the Scottish Parliament elections to support our Manifesto listing 6 actions to mainstream transparency by design across the delivery of public services.

1. Support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill when it begins the Stage 2 process at the Scottish Parliament from May 2026 and ensure it becomes law at the earliest opportunity. 

2. Following the public consultation exercises in 2019 and 2025, equalise designation of public bodies under FoI law which deliver care homes and care at home services.

3. Agree a proportionate uplift in budget for the independent Scottish Information Commissioner, who is appointed by the Parliament, to accommodate the increasing need for their investigative, mediation, adjudication and enforcement functions.

4. Commit to supporting and passing Anti-SLAPP legislation early in the new session of Parliament.  

5. Work with the UK...
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Today, CFoIS launches its manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections to secure transparency by design across public services. #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #foi #scotland #election
Text reads: 
Holyrood Manifesto
Campaign for Freedom of Information (CFoIS)Text reads: 
CFoIS invites all candidates for the Scottish Parliament elections to support our Manifesto listing 6 actions to mainstream transparency by design across the delivery of public services.
Text reads:
1. Support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill when it begins the Stage 2 process at the Scottish Parliament from May 2026 and ensure it becomes law at the earliest opportunity. 

2. Following the public consultation exercises in 2019 and 2025, equalise designation of public bodies under FoI law which deliver care homes and care at home services.

3. Agree a proportionate uplift in budget for the independent Scottish Information Commissioner, who is appointed by the Parliament, to accommodate the increasing need for their investigative, mediation, adjudication Text reads: 
4. Commit to supporting and passing Anti-SLAPP legislation early in the new session of Parliament.  

5. Work with the UK Government to sign and ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on Access to Official Documents, known as the Tromsø Convention.

6. Support mainstreaming a “duty of candour” in devolved matters across government and Scotland’s 10,000 public bodies.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Yesterday was Anti-SLAPP Day of Action No matter your role - journalist, researcher, campaigner, survivor, or whistleblower - you should be protected when speaking in the public interest We are calling for universal protections against SLAPPs. Take action: antislapp.uk/solutions/ta... #StopSLAPPs
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Do you want news stories about transparency and accountability sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our newsletter here: www.cfois.scot/support-us/ #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi
Text reads: NEWSLETTER
Do you want to get news stories about transparency and accountability straight to your inbox?
CFoISText reads: NEWSLETTER
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
CFoIS
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Do you want to find out more about Freedom of Information in Europe? Sign up to our newsletter here: www.cfois.scot/support-us/ #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi
Text reads: NEWSLETTER
Do you want to find out more about Freedom of Information in Europe?
CFoISText reads: NEWSLETTER
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
CFoIS
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Have a look inside the March instalment of our newsletter! If you want to find out more, sign up to our newsletter here: www.cfois.scot/support-us/ #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #humanrights #scotland #foi
Text reads: MARCH NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR NEWSLETTER
CFoISText reads: Stage 1 of the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill Update
Scottish Government consultation on extending FoI to the care sector deadline
Scottish Government's Hamilton Inquiry case handling criticised by the Independent Regulator
Scottish FoI practitioners win at eCase Awards 2026
FoI in Europe
and more...
CFoIS
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
A new Code of Practice relating to Freedom of Information was published yesterday. Read the Code here: www.gov.scot/publications... #freedomofinformation #accesstoinformation #politics #scotland #foi
Text reads: New FoI code of practice published
Photo shows documentsText reads: On the 25th of March, a new Code of Practice relating to Freedom of Information practice was published. 
It provides updated and improved guidance on public bodies compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FoISA). The new guidance can help requestors to formulate their requests, as well as assist FoI practitioners when responding to requests.
CFoISText reads: The new code includes updated guidance on:
responsibility for FOI within an authority;
proactively publishing information;
the provision of advice and assistance by authorities to people who propose to make, or have made, requests for information;
responding to requests;
handling a request for information;
training and staffing arrangements;
records management and searching for information;
transferring requests to other authorities;
CFoISText reads: consulting third parties to whom information requested relates, or people whose interests are likely to be affected by the disclosure of such information;
the disclosure of contractual and procurement-related information;
responding to reviews;
monitoring compliance, collecting and recording statistics about request handling; and
appeals to the Commissioner.
CFoIS
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Will the Scottish Government face another court case over FoI non-compliance? Read the Scottish Information Commissioner’s full statement at www.foi.scot/preposterous... #FoIReformNow #secretscotland #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation
Text reads: Secret Scotland
Will the Scottish Government face another court case over FoI non-compliance?
CFoIS 
Graphic shows a redacted documentText reads: The Scottish Information Commissioner has said that he is considering a second contempt of court case over the Scottish Government’s handling of an FoI request related to the Hamilton Inquiry. 
At First Minister’s Questions on 19th March 2026, Katy Clark MSP asked FM John Swinney if he will commit to providing all the information required under decision notice 193/2024 and sought reassurance that he is not considering using the First Minister’s veto, under s52 of FoISA, to keep the information secret from the public.Text reads: The First Minister avoided answering whether or not he will use the Ministerial veto, a power which has not been used since FoISA came into effect in 2005. Katy Clark MSP’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Parliament in June 2025, seeks to remove the First Minister’s veto power, a provision that the SPPA Committee’s Stage 1 Report supported. The Bill passed Stage 1 and is set to return in the next session of Parliament.
Text reads: CFoIS encourages everyone to support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill at Stages 2 and 3 in the new session of Parliament, after the 7th of May, and promises to raise these and other issues as the Bill progresses. These kind of problems simply strengthen the case that FoISA needs reformed urgently to close legal loopholes and strengthen the enforcement powers of the independent Commissioner.
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Severin Carrell @severincarrell.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
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
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Reposted by Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Campaign for Freedom of Information @campaignfoi.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
🎙️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...
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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'
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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
Text reads: Support the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill
Photo shows CFoIS Director Carole Ewart and Katy Clark MSP at the Scottish ParliamentText 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.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
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.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
CFoIS Treasurer Dr Derek Manson Smith tells us why he backs the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill. #FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati
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
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
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
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)
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
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
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)
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland tells us why they support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill! @fbunational.bsky.social #FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati
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)
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
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
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.”
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
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
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 notebookText 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.
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
The Centre for Law and Democracy @law-democracy.bsky.social backs the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill! #FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati
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.”
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
The train drivers' union @aslefunion.bsky.social sets out why the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill is so important. #FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati
Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill
“FOI is a critical tool to aid transparency and hold decision-makers to account. Since its introduction FOI has helped Scotland track who makes decisions, why and in whose interests. However, FOI needs to be updated and expanded. In the railways we know about the influence of private providers and it's unfair that these contractors are exempt from FOI. This needs to be corrected and ASLEF wholeheartedly supports Katy Clark in trying to improve Scotland's FOI legislation.” 
- ASLEF, the train drivers’ union
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
CFoIS Secretary Mandy Reid sets out why she supports the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill! #FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati
Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill
“I fully support the FOI Reform Bill because the money in the public purse is finite. There is no magic money tree. The public should have the right to know exactly where their taxes are being spent. When organisations and businesses are taking money from the public purse to provide services of a public nature, we should know what they are doing with that money and be allowed to ask.”
- Mandy Reid, Secretary, the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
CFoIS Director met Scottish Green’s MSP @patrickharvie.bsky.social to discuss the Stage 1 debate on the FoI Reform Bill, scheduled for the afternoon of 17 Feb. Appreciate discussion on the Bill’s merits and why this is a cross party issue. @katysclark.bsky.social @scottishgreens.org
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Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland @cfoiscot.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The Edinburgh Freelance Branch of the National Union of Journalists @nujofficial.bsky.social supports the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill! #FoIReformNow #freedomofinformation #foi #accesstoinformation #ati
Text reads: Support the FoI Reform (Scotland) Bill
“The Edinburgh Freelance Branch of the National Union of Journalists strongly supports Katy Clark's proposed Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill. Several of our members have made use of the existing FoI provisions and agree that increased transparency can only be good for democracy. The proposed bill is an opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in its approach to accountability in civic life. The branch urges all parties to support it.”
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