iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 21h

We believe that info should be accessible to everyone, so accessible communication matters! We encourage public bodies, charities and support organisations to share our BSL videos and Easy Read resources with the people they support. zurl.co/tJgYB #Accessibility

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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

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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

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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

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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 · 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

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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

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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

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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 · 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

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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

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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

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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 02/07/2026

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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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 08/06/2026

We’re working hard to protect people’s FOI rights, ensuring that the FOI appeals process is robust, fair and fit for the future. Read more about our work to minimise disruption from high-volume and machine generated FOI appeals here: foi.scot/new-measure-aims-protect-foi-rights-danger-ai-overload

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Scottish Information Commissioner @foi.scot · 03/06/2026

Breaking: Scottish Government found in contempt over FOI practice. Read more at: foi.scot/court-rules-failure-comply-foi-decision-timescale-was-contempt-court

Court of Session with text: "Breaking: Court ruling finds Scottish Government in Contempt over FOI."

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