The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 was introduced to give you access to information held by Scottish public authorities. The Act aims to increase openness and accountability in the public sector and, subject to certain conditions and exemptions, any person who makes a request to a public authority for information which is held, will be entitled to receive it.

Under the Act, we are required to produce a Publication Scheme, which sets out:
 

We will respond to any request for information within 20 working days from receipt.  There may be some exemptions to providing the information and if this is the case we will inform you of this, as well as reasons for applying the exemption.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from us, you may request a review.  Details of how to do this will be provided with the response. 

If you are still dissatisfied following our review you may appeal to the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner. More information about the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, your rights under the Act and the obligations placed on Scottish Public Authorities can be found on the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner's website at www.itspublicknowldge.info

Requests for information can be made via foi@hifrs.org or in writing to Service HQ.  Details available on our contact us page.