Conference chair:Keynote speakers- Kevin Dunion, Scottish Information Commissioner
- Bruce Crawford MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business, The Scottish Government
- Eleanor Bradford, Health Correspondent, BBC Scotland
- Lord Jim Wallace of Tankerness, former Deputy First Minister of Scotland
- Francis Irving, Senior Developer and Campaigner, WhatDoTheyKnow.com
- Fiona Killen, Partner (Parliamentary & Public Law), Anderson Strathern
It may be five years since Freedom of Information law came into effect in Scotland and the UK, but arguably FOI has never been as topical or relevant as it is today. Across the UK the MP expenses controversy, which resulted from a number of FOI requests, has rarely been out of the headlines this year. Closer to home, the future of FOI laws in Scotland has been actively under review throughout 2009, as Ministers consider expanding coverage of the FOI Act and changes to definitions of ‘historical documents’ to allow earlier release of some information.
So what are the latest FOI developments? What knowledge can we exchange? How does our experience compare with that south of the border? And what is the way forward for FOI policy in Scotland? I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to support the 7th annual Holyrood FOI conference. By attending this conference you will have an opportunity to contribute to the debate on these critical issues.
Of course, the big picture is only part of the story. Across Scotland, FOI practitioners in public authorities work daily to realise the ambitions of the FOI Act – responding to requests and proactively publishing information. Over the last five years, this group of professionals has developed a body of specialist skills and good practice. I’m pleased that, in response to feedback from attendees at previous conferences, delegates will for the first time be able to attend a series of ‘Masterclasses’ to share these experiences and learn practical lessons to make FOI a reality for the people of Scotland.
Kevin Dunion, Scottish Information Commissioner
Holyrood Magazine’s Annual Freedom of Information conference has become a key event for all stakeholders and is Scotland’s most popular forum for debate on the latest FOI policy and practical developments.
We will hear from the two leading figures in FOI in Scotland, Scottish Information Commissioner, Kevin Dunion and the Minister for Parliamentary Business, Bruce Crawford MSP.
If you have any questions, please email us or call on 0131 272 2133.
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