Speakers
Session
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came under close scrutiny as it reached its 20th birthday. Models of public service delivery and public administration have changed a great deal over the last 20 years, but there has been little extension of the scope of the Act to reflect that evolving landscape. Last year Katy Clark MSP, with the support of the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland, sought the right to introduce a Members Bill which would significantly widen the range of bodies subject to FOI. Hot on the heels of Ms Clark’s consultation, the Scottish Government also consulted on a wider paper, seeking view on a different model of achieving the same aim – facilitating access to information about publicly funded services, however they are delivered. With no amendment to the Bill proposed (yet) by Scottish Government, Ms Clark has now won the right to introduce her Member’s Bill. Experts from Kennedys will take a look at the current legal and political context, the proposed changes, and what this is likely to mean for local authorities in terms of practice and risk
Lesley is a Partner in Kennedys' Celtic Team. Her practice focuses on public sector, third sector and blue light issues. She regularly acts for local authorities, care service providers, educational, and charitable organisations. Lesley has acted for clients in a wide range of social care and safeguarding issues, including claims related to moving and handling, management of challenging behaviours, historical abuse claims, and fatal accident inquiries. Lesley has represented clients in the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, and advised clients on potential engagement in the Redress Scheme, which offers an alternative to litigation for survivors of historical child abuse.