Extending freedom of information: how will voluntary organisations be affected?

Freedom of Information (FoI) is under the spotlight in Scotland just now. This webinar will concentrate on calls to extend FoI legislation to cover publicly funded services delivered by voluntary sector organisations. It will help voluntary organisations to understand the proposals, provide a space to raise and discuss their views, and shape SCVO’s policy positions on extending the coverage of FoI. 

Following the launch of Katy Clark MSP’s consultation on proposed reforms to FoI legislation, this session will provide an opportunity to hear from the Scottish Labour MSP and others about proposals to extend FoI to all bodies delivering public services, including voluntary organisations. Carole Ewart, Convener of The Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland, and Daren Fitzhenry, the Scottish Information Commissioner, will join this panel discussion and Q&A. 

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to speak directly with SCVO to inform our response to the consultation. We will also use the feedback that voluntary organisations provide to shape SCVO’s response to another consultation on access to information rights, issued by the Scottish Government, which seeks views on alternative ways to strengthen the information rights of those accessing services of a public nature delivered by voluntary organisations. 

This event is aimed at anyone responsible for running a voluntary organisation and especially those voluntary organisations that receive public funding or contracts, and those that may wish to do so in the future, who want to understand more about the proposals and shape SCVO’s policy response.