University commended for openness

The Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner has commended the University’s compliance with freedom of information legislation, particularly its “culture towards openness”.

The Commissioner conducts a rolling programme of audits of Scottish public authorities, to assess whether organisations are following best practice.

Transparent culture

The assessors "noted a proactively open and transparent culture which is now embedded throughout the University".

The University’s “excellent record for adhering to statutory timescales” was also highlighted and the level of technical knowledge displayed by the University’s Records Management Section was praised.

Freedom of information

I am delighted that the hard work of the University’s practitioners, promoters and Records Management Section has been recognised in this report.

Freedom of information legislation came into force in 2005.

It gives anyone, from anywhere around the world the right to access any information held by “public authorities”.

The University has a maximum of 20 working days to respond to a request, even if individual staff members are away.

To achieve compliance, there is a network of freedom of information promoters and practitioners throughout the University.

Any staff member receiving a request for information which they want to refuse or are unsure about should contact their local practitioner.

Further information

Contact the Records Management section for information about training courses, briefings or further advice related to freedom of information.