Freedom of Information in Scotland is entering a pressure-test year. Reform proposals are live in Parliament. The question being asked is not only whether the law should change, but whether day-to-day FOI practice is keeping pace with how modern public services are delivered – through arms-length bodies, contracted provision and increasingly complex partnerships.
At the same time, FOI’s credibility depends on something very basic. Information has to exist, be searchable and be retrievable. High-profile scrutiny of records management – especially the governance of mobile messaging and mixed-device working – has sharpened expectations of the meaning of held information in digital workplaces.
There is also an additional and newer frontier which the public increasingly wants to understand. They want to know how decisions are shaped by automated tools, analytics and AI-adjacent systems – from triage and prioritisation to risk scoring and service targeting. FOI teams themselves are increasingly drawn into questions about model documentation, procurement, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), auditability and explainability – often at speed and often with suppliers involved.
This conference is designed for FOI practitioners, information governance leads, policy teams, comms, legal advisers and senior leaders. In three sessions, the conference will focus on:
Topics to be discussed
Who should attend
This conference is intended for all those working in the FOI, data protection/management and information governance fields and is intended for both organisations and individuals. It is relevant to all organisations subject to FOI law and is for FOI officers and compliance practitioners, data professionals, data protection officers and also for those in executive and non-executive roles with a responsibilty for legal compliance, reputation management, corporate accountability or strategic leadership.
Examples of the types of individuals and organisations who have previously attended include Service Managers, Information Governance, Compliance and Regulatory Managers, Legal Advisers and Solicitors, Policy and Public Affairs Managers, Case Investigators, Data Protection Officers and Case Investigators. These come from across local government, non-departmental public bodies, housing associations, further and higher education, the third sector and industry bodies.
Chief Officer, Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland and Public Policy and Human Rights Consultant, Ewart Communications
Director
RiSiO Solutions Ltd
Carole Ewart
Chief Officer, Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland and Public Policy and Human Rights Consultant, Ewart Communications
Carole Ewart is Director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland and works to ensure that the enforceable right to access information in Scotland is strong and accessible.
Carole is also an independent consultant who has worked on human rights, social justice and public policy issues for 31 years, primarily in the 'not for profit' sector. She has broad experience of working with CEOs and staff at all levels and in over 100 organisations, large and small.
Her specialies cover: Equality and disability, independent living, health, stopping violence, children and families, justice. She advises on drafting and applying a Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA), using Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIA), access to information, consultation, engagement, accountability in public services, delivery of UN ratified Treaties in UK /Scottish law and practice, legal reform, building networks and influencing.
Rachel Mitchell
Director
RiSiO Solutions Ltd
I am an information governance professional providing expert consultancy and training services. I deliver consultancy and training in all aspects of information governance including, data protection and records management. I also provide guidance and advice on getting the best in information governance out of your technical assets; including Microsoft 365.
I have vast and recent experience having worked most recently as a Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Lead with the Care Inspectorate a regulator in Scotland; and Head of Information Governance in the National Crime Agency. I have led and supported consultancy contracts for private and public sector clients to assess their information governance maturity and make prioritised recommendations for improvements based on risk versus resource assessments and deliver them.
A demonstrated history of working in government with enhanced security clearance levels. Skilled in Government, Law Enforcement, GDPR/Data Protection, Records Management, Intelligence, Emergency Planning.
Information professional with a Certificate in Data Protection, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Information and Records Management from Northumbria University.
Don't take my word for it here is a summary of some feedback; all clients have rated their overall experience as excellent:
On my work as a lead consultant:
Rachel was excellent in the delivery of all stages.
A great blend of knowledge and experience
An ability to engage all delegates and keep three long sessions lively and energised.
Feedback from all delegate colleagues was positive.
And here is some feedback when I was working as a contractor:
Rachel worked exceedingly well with the customer,
Rachel completed all deliverables in a timely manner;
Rachel responded very quickly to all queries;
Rachel was very thorough all all responses and engagement
And some lovely general feedback to end on.....
"I would love to work with Rachel again!"
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