The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 allows any member of the public to request information from a public authority. The Act recognises that the public has a right to understand how public authorities are organised, what services they provide, and the reasons behind their business decisions.

The Act encourages organisations to be open and accountable, and to make their information accessible and easy to find.

How to find information

We routinely make a lot of information available through this website. The information that we provide includes:

• The terms of reference for each Panel
• Biographical information about Panel members
• Minutes from each Panel meeting
• Copies of the final report from each Panel, and any supplementary or follow-up reports
• Press releases about the Panel’s work

If you cannot find what you are looking for, you can make a formal request to:

Freedom of Information (ISP)
c/o Scottish Health Council
Delta House
50 West Nile Street
Glasgow G1 2NP

Telephone: 0141 241 6308
Email: foi@scottishhealthcouncil.org
Fax: 0141 221 2529

 Where possible, information will be sent to you in electronic format by email. If you would prefer a printed copy please include your name and telephone number so we can clarify any details, as well as a postal address. Please note that we may have to charge for providing printed copies.

All of the information we routinely publish is available in audio format, Braille, large print, and community languages on request. There may be a short delay before we can provide this to you, while we arrange for the document to be converted or translated.

Exemptions

Some information may be withheld from the public. Such information is said to be exempt, and this will include information that is about to be published, personal information covered by the Data Protection Act, or information that is not in the public interest to be made generally available. If we decide to withhold information, we will give reasons for our decision. You can ask us to review this decision if you do not believe the information should be withheld.

Who Enforces the Act?

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act is promoted and enforced by the Scottish Information Commissioner. The Commissioner ensures that members of the public get access to the information they are entitled to, and that public authorities respond to requests within 20 working days. If you are not satisfied with the response to your request you can make an appeal to the Commissioner. After an investigation, the Commissioner will make a decision and decide whether you should receive the information.