Freedom of Information 2026

After more than 20 years as Scotland’s leading training forum for FOI professionals, Holyrood’s annual Freedom of Information Conference returns to bring together policymakers, regulators, practitioners, and sector leaders to explore the latest developments in FOI policy and practice.

As the FOI landscape continues to evolve, this year’s conference will examine the future of reform, the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in FOI, proactive transparency, and lessons from improving organisational performance.

Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, delegates will gain practical insights, hear from leading experts, and share best practice on delivering effective, trusted, and future-ready FOI services.

The event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of openness and transparency in Scotland.

Group Booking Discounts available
There are group booking discounts available on bookings of 3 or more people, so if you know of any colleagues who may also be interested in attending be sure to invite them along.

This event is supported by the Scottish Information Commissioner’s Office

Event Details

Practical use of AI in FOI handling, risks, AI-generated requests, and governance.

- Responding to AI-generated FOI requests
- Can AI draft responses safely?
- Risks around accuracy, bias, and disclosure
- Governance and human oversight
- Practical demonstrations of AI supporting case handling

A practical session for newer practitioners, covering the request lifecycle, timescales, and common exemptions.

- Getting requests right the first time
- Valid requests
- Timescales
- Searching effectively
- Common exemptions
- Advice and assistance
- Frequent mistakes

Case studies from organisations that have improved performance following commissioner intervention.

- What triggered intervention?
- What changed?
- How performance improved
- Lessons other organisations can adopt

New approaches to publication schemes, transparency by design, and reducing repeat requests.

- Publishing data before requests arrive
- Publication schemes that actually work
- Using disclosure logs effectively
- Transparency by design
- Links to any forthcoming reform proposals

- Developments in AI
- Legislative change
- New approaches to proactive publication and citizen engagement
- Relationship between transparency, openness, and rebuilding public trust

David Hamilton
Scottish Information Commissioner
Gillian Mapstone
Deputy Keeper of the Records of Scotland and Head of Collections
National Records of Scotland
Katy Clark MSP
Deputy Presiding Officer and MSP for West Scotland (Region)
Scottish Labour
Carole Ewart
Director
Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland
Lorraine Currie
Lorraine Currie
Director
Anderson Strathern
Jamie Hepburn MSP
Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans
Scottish National Party

    Event Details
    Supporting Organisation