Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (“FOISA”) and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (“EIR”) place a general obligation on Scottish Public Authorities to allow the public access to information that they hold. Both FOISA and EIR are overseen by the Scottish Information Commissioner (“SIC”). From 11 November 2019 Elderpark Housing Association (EHA) will be designated as Scottish Public Authority and will need to make information available in accordance with FOISA and EIR.

The policy will:

• provide a general understanding of FOISA and EIR; and
• outline where responsibility lies for complying with the legal duties of EHA under FOISA and EIR Policy Statement

EHA is committed to the underlying principles of openness and transparency underpinning FOISA and EIR and complying fully with the requirements of said legislation. To this end EHA will:

• follow the relevant Scottish Ministers Codes of Practice relating to FOISA and EIR, as well as any relevant guidance issued by SIC;
• take into account the needs of individuals when presenting information under FOISA and EIR;
• make all employees aware of their responsibilities under FOISA and EIR and support them in fulfilling those responsibilities;
• publish a wide range of information through our Publication Scheme;
• monitor compliance with FOISA and EIR with a view to continuous improvement;
• respect data protection in accordance with the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 when complying with FOISA and EIR;
• only withhold information where entitled to do so under FOISA and EIR and explain why information is withheld; and
• provide advice and assistance to individuals seeking to access information