23 January 2009

Opening of Centre for Freedom of Information

Event - 1.30pm, Thursday January 29th
Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill,
University of Dundee

A new joint venture aimed at strengthening Freedom of Information in Scotland will be launched by the University of Dundee’s Law School and the Scottish Information Commissioner on Thursday January 29th.

The new Centre for Freedom of Information will be launched at a special seminar and conference attended by one of the architects of the 2002 Scottish Freedom of Information Act, former Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, now Lord Wallace of Tankerness, who will give the opening address.

Professor Alan Page, Dean of the Law School and co-director of the new Centre along with Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion, explained that the aim of the venture was to provide a central focus for developing research into FOI issues, in particular modelling decision making and examining bureaucratic culture.

'The idea for the Centre came about initially through discussions between Professor Janet McLean, who is Professor of Law and Governance at the Law School, and the Commissioner’s Office in St Andrews,' he said.

'Researching what is happening in terms of Freedom of Information in Scotland is a huge challenge but it is something we are very excited about and have a great deal of shared enthusiasm for.'

'The governance of Scotland has changed out of all recognition over the last few years and Freedom of Information is just one aspect of that. The legislation was just the beginning. It is not just about documenting the change but researching and reflecting on what the changes mean and the impact they are having.'

'We hope the centre will create the conceptual space to allow that reflection and the opportunity to discuss current FOI issues and practice.'

Potential areas of interest for the centre include research into Freedom of Information and human rights, environmental decision making and the impact the legislation has had on the governance of Scotland. It is hoped the new centre will also create opportunities for knowledge transfer and the provision of continuing professional development for the country’s freedom of information officers within public bodies and local authorities.

It will also provide access to a rich seam of expertise from specialists in constitutional and civil law, Freedom of Information practitioners and the Commissioner’s Office.

The launch of the centre will also include keynote addresses from Professor Page and Kevin Dunion as well as a discussion chaired by Professor McLean. The event will bring together legal practitioners, FOI officers, academics and campaigners.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk