Access to information is key to transparent government. Without it, those in power cannot be held accountable for their actions and decisions while citizens cannot measure the effectiveness of specific policies and programmes or engage in informed debate. Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation provides a framework for the active dissemination of information, as well as a mechanism for requesting information that is not routinely released. However, legislation also needs to ensure that the access to government information will not infringe the rights of individuals and organisations, or threaten the safety and security of the nation.
Based on first-hand experience of designing and delivering FOI-compliant public services in several countries, this course will introduce participants to practical approaches for managing and using access legislation to ensure that the aspirations of accountability and transparency are met.
This course will spend time in both London and Edinburgh in order to allow participants to benchmark their own national strategies against two different approaches to FOI by comparing and contrasting the distinct arrangements in place in the separate legal and cultural context of Scotland with those in England and Wales. All accommodation costs for your stay in Scotland are included in the advertised price.