Freedom of Information At The University of Edinburgh

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The University's approach

In this section:

The University's approach

The University supports the new culture of openness and access to information that is the spirit of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act. To enable the University to meet its commitments, the following structure for dealing with the Act has been set up.

Responsibility for freedom of information compliance is devolved, but there is a three level hierarchy of assistance.

The Records Management Section at the top, followed by the Promoters in Colleges and Support Groups, followed by Practitioners in Schools and units

The Records Management Section is a source of expertise that provides advice, guidance and training to practitioners, promoters and other University staff.

Each college and support group has a freedom of information promoter who is responsible for engaging with the strategic implications of the legislation for their area. They provide internal leadership and co-ordination as they liaise with the network of freedom of information practitioners in their college or support group.

Practitioners raise awareness of freedom of information in their local areas, have contributed to the publication scheme, and are taking the lead in establishing appropriate records management processes and procedures in their areas.

Further details about the Records Management Section's awareness raising resources are available, these include the "5 Key Points", FOI posters available to download, and a short introductory leaflet for new staff.

We anticipate that certain areas are more likely to receive information requests than others. These are listed in an answer to a frequently asked question.

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336