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Scottish Information Commissioner

@foi.scot
178 followers 6 following 282 posts

Promoting and enforcing freedom of information (FOI) in Scotland. FOI gives everyone a right to access information from Scotland's public bodies.

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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
International Right to Know Day may be ending, but the right to access information continues every day. Whether you're a requester or public authority, you'll find guidance, learning resources and support at zurl.co/oG1qS #RightToKnowDay #FOI
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Looking to improve your authority's FOI performance? Our intervention learning points highlight common issues identified across Scotland's public sector and practical steps to help address them before intervention becomes necessary. zurl.co/ri2Xh #RightToKnowDay #FOI
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Thinking about using AI to help draft an FOI request? It can improve clarity and structure, but it's important to keep requests focused on the information you actually want. Read our guidance: 👉 zurl.co/GAhNu #RightToKnowDay
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Our decisions do more than resolve appeals. They help requesters and public authorities better understand FOI law and practice. Read decisions and key learning points at zurl.co/A0bX6 #RightToKnowDay #AccessToInformation
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Whatever your level of FOI experience, our briefings and guidance can help. Find practical advice on valid requests, exemptions and many other aspects of FOI legislation. 👉 zurl.co/z3pOM #RightToKnowDay #FO
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Are you looking for information from a Scottish public authority, and don’t know where to start? zurl.co/Lt56q explains how to make an FOI request, and what happens next. Simple, practical guidance to help you get started. #RightToKnowDay #FOI
FOI: What can I ask for? Who can I ask? How do I ask? What are my rights?
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
How well is your organisation performing on FOI? Our self-assessment toolkit helps authorities review policies, procedures and compliance arrangements, identify strengths and highlight areas for improvement. Find out more at zurl.co/f04Tc #RightToKnowDay #FOI
Self assessment toolkit. 
Review. Measure. Improve.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Over 111,000 information requests were made across Scotland last year. Curious which authorities received the most requests and how they're performing? Explore the latest figures and trends at zurl.co/MiO6l. #RightToKnowDay #FOI
#InternationalRightToKnowDay
111,000+ requests made across Scotland last year.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/09/2026
Today is #InternationalRightToKnowDay, celebrating the public’s right to access information. This is at the heart of the Commissioner’s work, so we’ll be sharing resources, insights and fun facts throughout the day. Follow along and help spread the word.
#InternationalRightToKnowDay
Celebrating your right to know
www.foi.scot
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 23/09/2026
Interested in the future of FOI? Our latest newsletter highlights free upcoming events on AI and transparency, including the Scottish Public Information Forum and an FOI vs AI webinar. Find out how to join: 👉zurl.co/SCoFK
Open update newsletter promotion. 'AI Mode' selected in search engine.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 21/09/2026
How did Scottish Fire and Rescue Service improve on-time FOI performance to 99%? Our latest newsletter shares learning from successful interventions, recent decisions, and examples of FOI best practice. 👉zurl.co/W59EG
Open update newsletter promotion. Features a fire engine racing through streets at night.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 18/09/2026
Increasing demand…increasing transparency… Our new annual report shows that, while FOI appeal numbers have rocketed, our small team is working hard to close more cases and help people get the information they need. 👉foi.scot/annual-reports
We received 83% more appeals than last year, we closed 14% more cases than last year and 77% of our decisions found wholly or partly in the requester's favour.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 17/09/2026
Our latest newsletter is a special Annual Report edition. Find out what our office achieved over the last year, explore the key results and milestones, and learn about upcoming events that are open to all. Read more: zurl.co/uzD3I
Annual Report 2025-26
83% increase in appeals
Over 110k FOI requests made in Scotland
We issued over 301 decisions
Cleared 79% of our backlog by the end of March.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 17/09/2026
New decisions from the Scottish Information Commissioner find Dumfries and Galloway Council "failed at the most basic level" in its handling of FOI requests relating to a local flood prevention scheme. Read more: zurl.co/Pe4zw
Latest decision, 235 & 236 / 2026.
Image of town and river at night.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 16/09/2026
Who should be covered by Freedom of Information? Our 2025-26 Annual Report highlights our work to support discussions on extending FOI and calls for a regular review of coverage, including private providers of public services. 👉 foi.scot/annual-reports
92% of respondents thought there should be a regular review of who is covered by FOI law. 
87% felt that public services that are provided by the private sector should be subject to the same access to information rights as those provided by public bodies.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 15/09/2026
In our latest Annual Report, published today, Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton warns of a risk to the effective enforcement of FOI in Scotland following a significant rise in appeals over the last year. More at: www.foi.scot/commissioner...
"An unprecedented 83% rise in appeals is putting an unsustainable strain on my small team..."
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 14/09/2026
Need to contact us in British Sign Language? BSL users can get in touch with the Scottish Information Commissioner through Contact BSL. Find out more about our BSL Plan: zurl.co/Lie2x #BSL #ContactBSL #FOI #Accessibility
Person communicating in sign language alongside the Scottish Information Commissioner logo and the Contact Scotland BSL logo.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 14/09/2026
🎓The FOI court records exemption only applies to info which is solely held in court records. Authorities should assess the information requested and not assume an exemption applies simply because the information originated from court records. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 11/09/2026
📅 Save the date: we're supporting the Holyrood Freedom of Information Conference 2026 on 17 November in Edinburgh. Expect discussions on AI, FOI fundamentals, interventions, proactive publication and more. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 10/09/2026
🚒 Intervention to the rescue! Following our work with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the latest figures show 99% of FOI requests answered on time. A fantastic achievement and a strong example of sustained improvement! 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 09/09/2026
💡 A request doesn't have to mention FOI to be a valid FOI request. Our latest decisions highlight the importance of focusing on what information is being sought, rather than how the requester phrases their question. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 09/09/2026
🌍 We welcomed colleagues from the Ghana Right to Information Commission to Scotland in August; sharing experiences, challenges and best practice in delivering information rights and promoting transparency. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 08/09/2026
📆 From SPIF in October to the Holyrood FOI Conference in November, there are plenty of opportunities to connect, learn and discuss the future of information rights in Scotland. Check out our latest newsletter for details. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 07/09/2026
🤖AI - asset or liability? Join the Scottish Public Information Forum this October to explore how AI is shaping the future of FOI, with speakers including Dr Ben Worthy and Commissioner David Hamilton. Free tickets available. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 04/09/2026
📬 Back from your Summer break? Catch up on the latest FOI news from the Scottish Information Commissioner, including updates on extending FOI rights to care providers, new accessibility resources, upcoming events and lessons from recent decisions. 👉 cmemailmarketing.co.uk/E10951219-CM...
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 02/09/2026
We're committed to improving access for BSL users. Learn more about our British Sign Language Plan 2025-2031 by watching our BSL summary video: zurl.co/Z3rRF #BSLPlan #Accessibility #FOI #Accessibility
zurl.co
BSL_Video_OSIC BSL Plan 2025 to 2031
This is "BSL_Video_OSIC BSL Plan 2025 to 2031" by SIC on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/08/2026
We believe that information should be accessible to everyone. We offer FOI information in Easy Read and BSL formats, and BSL users can contact us through Contact BSL. Explore our resources: zurl.co/eiWMd #Accessibility #BSL #EasyRead
Person communicating in sign language alongside the Scottish Information Commissioner logo and Contact Scotland BSL logo.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 27/08/2026
For the first time, the Commissioner is seeking leave to appeal on a fundamental principle of law to the Supreme Court to challenge a Court of Session’s ruling of 26 March 2026. To read more, visit zurl.co/9XsEP
External view of the Supreme Court.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 24/08/2026
What role do transparency and access to information play in promoting wisdom, compassion, justice and integrity in public life? Hear from Scotland's Information Commissioner, David Hamilton. 📅 26 Aug, 4pm. 🎟️ Free tickets: zurl.co/P3lUD
Scotland's Four Words and Scottish Information Commissioner logo.
A Public Information Session with David Hamilton
Held by Scotland's Four Words of Hope
Wednesday 26 August 2026
4pm - 5pm
Free tickets available to reserve.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 17/08/2026
Did you know you can ask Scottish public authorities for information? Our BSL video explains your rights under Freedom of Information. Watch here 👉 zurl.co/XklY6 #BSL #YourRightToKnow #FOI #Accessibility
zurl.co
Your Right to Know Freedom of Information- a summary
This is "Your Right to Know Freedom of Information- a summary" by SIC on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 13/08/2026
📬 Missed our latest newsletter? Catch up on AI guidance, a landmark court ruling, FOI best practice from award-winning authorities, future data developments, and much more 👇 zurl.co/5PDpg
Open update promo image - flatlay with cup of coffee and newspaper and glasses on desk.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 11/08/2026
The FOI Code of Practice makes clear that FOI should be recognised as a statutory corporate function, receiving appropriate organisational support. We had to remind public bodies of this in two of our recent cases: zurl.co/rvct8
Open update promo image - the backs of people in a meeting room.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 07/08/2026
Do you support people who benefit from accessible information? Our Easy Read guide helps explain Freedom of Information rights and how to ask for information from public authorities. Please share 📣 zurl.co/KuHcJ #EasyRead #Accessibility #FOI
Cartoon holding a piece of paper out with 'your right to information' indicating the Easy Read leaflet.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 06/08/2026
From under 30% of FOI requests on time to 94%! 📊NHS Forth Valley made major FOI improvements following an intervention by the Scottish Information Commissioner. Our latest newsletter highlights their success: zurl.co/qTW86
News from the Scottish Information Commissioner
Intervention Update
Scottish Information Commissioner announces closure of Level 3 interventions. The Commissioner has commended NHS Forth Valley for their improved performance following the second highest level of intervention. The authought achiever 95% on time response rate.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 05/08/2026
Most FOI requests are responded to free of charge, but authorities can ask for a fee to be paid in some circumstances. There are clear guidelines for charging, however, and we explore two cases where fees were incorrectly requested in our new newsletter: zurl.co/IObgr
Open update promo image - stacks of coins.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 03/08/2026
👀 Curious about the additional data we're requesting from public bodies? Get a first glimpse in our latest newsletter. More details will be shared with authorities soon, but you can get a sneak peek here 👇 zurl.co/VvZIT
Flat lay with a cup of coffee and documents with various random charts and graphs.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 29/07/2026
Requests to public bodies for environmental information must be dealt with under the EIRs – and the definition of environmental info is wide. Our new newsletter features some recent cases where public bodies got this important area wrong… 👇 zurl.co/FzQDM
Open update promo image of lanscape of city and water.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 28/07/2026
🤖 Wish you had advice to offer people using AI to make FOI requests? We've got you covered. Our latest newsletter announces new guidance designed to help requesters use AI effectively and proportionately. 👇 zurl.co/75hp6
Open update promo image - cogs turning with the words 'direction' 'guidance' 'support' and 'assistance' engraved.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 27/07/2026
What is Freedom of Information and how can it help you? Watch our British Sign Language video explaining FOI and your right to access information from Scottish public authorities. zurl.co/J1aFm #BSL #FOI #Accessibility
zurl.co
What is FOI-
This is "What is FOI-" by SIC on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 24/07/2026
🏆 Want to learn from our Scottish FOI award winners? In our latest newsletter, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Crown Estate Scotland share their top tips and the approaches that helped them succeed at the eCase FOI Awards. 👇 zurl.co/3NC78
Person holding wooden cubes with it showing 'tips' and 'tricks'.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 23/07/2026
📝 Receiving challenging AI-generated requests? Our new AI guidance isn't just for requesters, public bodies can also direct people towards our guidance for better, clearer requests. Find out more 👇 zurl.co/k6XsA
Open update promo image - AI written on a post it note.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 21/07/2026
🤖 Using AI for FOI? There’s new guidance live on our website! Designed for the public, it helps ensure AI is used appropriately so are clear and you receive the information you need (not what AI thinks you need!) 👇 zurl.co/RGftk
Hands on a laptop with AI and an error warning.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 16/07/2026
Everyone should be able to understand their information rights. Our Easy Read guide explains Freedom of Information in a clear and accessible format. Read it here 👉 zurl.co/JPcEd #EasyRead #Accessibility #FOI
Cartoon holding a piece of paper out with 'your right to information' indicating the Easy Read leaflet.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 15/07/2026
People have the right to ask for a review if they’re unhappy with a response to an FOI request – and public bodies must conduct these reviews properly. Our latest newsletter highlights two recent cases where authorities fell short… 👉 zurl.co/sNWe0
Open update promo image - hand holding magnifying glass looking at the text 'conduct proper reviews'.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 13/07/2026
🚨 Public bodies: We’re asking for new data as part of our FOI statistics collection – including the number of clarifications requests made. Read more 👇 zurl.co/ujjkR
Open Update Promo - question marks in speech bubbles.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 09/07/2026
Can FOI requests about previous FOI requests be refused because they’re ‘vexatious’? We considered this issue in a recent decision. Read our conclusions in this case in our latest newsletter: zurl.co/Fedsv
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 07/07/2026
Our latest newsletter features a landmark case ruling ⚖️ and a well-earned success story that led to the closure of an FOI intervention. Curious who it was? Take a peek 👀 zurl.co/q1C7t
Open Update Newsletter - outside view of Court
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 03/07/2026
☀️ Summer holidays are approaching… Have you planned FOI cover to ensure deadlines are still met? Our latest newsletter highlights why preparation matters 👇 zurl.co/BQtpH
Open Update promo newsletter - deckchair and rubber swimming ring.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 02/07/2026
📝 Receiving challenging AI-generated requests? Our new AI guidance isn't just for requesters, public bodies can also direct people towards our guidance for better, clearer requests. Find out more 👇 zurl.co/x6HB1
OpenUpdate promo with AI written on post it notes.
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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 24/06/2026
It’s a scorcher out there 🔥 and our new newsletter is coming in HOT! Packed with updates and a sneak peek at our most requested guidance ever… spoiler: it’s AI 🤖 Sign up now: tinyurl.com/NewsComingSoon
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