As Scottish Information Commissioner from 2017-2023, Daren was responsible for the enforcement and promotion of Scotland’s freedom of information laws. His work during that time included further development of proactive interventions to improve the FOI performance of public authorities, active engagement with the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government on the updating of FOI legislation in Scotland, oversight of the extension of FOI to Registered Social Landlords, and the laying of a special report to the Scottish Parliament examining the impact of Covid-19 on FOI in Scotland. He was also a member of the Governance Working Group of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), actively contributing to the development of the body’s Charter and leading the development of the body’s first strategic plan.
Since leaving his role, he has remained in the FOI field, being actively involved in the development of the ICIC’s Transparency by Design Principles, and the 2025 Berlin Principles on the Protection and Promotion of Access to Information Commissioners. He remains strongly committed to access to information, recognising the significant benefits that FOI brings to society, not least its key role in enabling the public’s participation and engagement in the issues which matter to them.
