Web Resources
Freedom of Information: a librarian’s quick guide
Sandra Wilson
What is the purpose of the Freedom on Information Act and when does it come into force?
The Freedom of Information Act was introduced by the Scottish Parliament to ensure that people have the right to access information held by Scottish public authorities, including NHS Scotland. The Act ensures that, subject to certain exemptions such as protection of personal data, commercial confidentiality or national security, any person can receive information that they request from a public authority. It comes into force in 2005.
Overview
The Scottish Executive Freedom of Information webpage
The Legislation
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ACT Public Authorites listed in Parts 4(The National Health Service) and 5 (Educational Institutions) of Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 to submit publication schemes for approval by the Scottish Information Commissioner by 31/5/04 and these to be approved by 01/9/04
SCOTTISH INFORMATION COMMISSIONER Kevin Dunion, former CEO of Friends of the Earth Scotland appointed 24/2/03 The role of the SIC is to promote and enforce the Freedom of Information Act to make sure government bodies release public information you are entitled to see. Subscibe to this site to keep up to date with events and for contact details of the Commissioner based in St Andrews.
THE UK INFORMATION COMMISSIONER The legal powers of the SIC do not include personal information on private individuals - that comes under the Data Protection Act which is overseen by the UK Information Commissioner
THE SCOTTISH CAMPAIGN FOR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Sandra Wilson
Information Officer/Librarian
Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association
76 Firhill Road
Glasgow
G20 7BA
Email: info@scotmnd.sol.co.uk
web: www.scotmnd.org.uk