Freedom of Information team recognised at awards

Social Security Scotland’s Data Protection and Information Governance team has been recognised at the 2023 eCase Freedom of Information awards.

The awards marked achievements across the UK, with our team receiving honours in two separate categories. Social Security Scotland’s Ally Aitchison won the Rising Star Award and our Freedom of Information team were Highly Commended and runners up in the Team category.

The awards were independently judged by a panel of leading FOI and information rights experts, including the Scottish Information Commissioner, the Director of FOI and Transparency from the Information Commissioner's Office and the Campaign for Freedom of Information in the UK and Scotland.

Ally Aitchison, Information Officer in the Freedom of Information Team said:

“In my first year with Social Security Scotland’s Freedom of Information Team I have had an amazing opportunity to work on our continuous improvements to meet our obligations under information rights laws. This award is personally rewarding to me and also recognises the great support that I have had from my manager and colleagues across the organisation.”

Niall Franchi, Freedom of Information Lead Practitioner said:

“Social Security Scotland has grown considerably over the past few years and the Freedom of Information team has too. The team is committed to respecting information rights but could not do that without the great support from our colleagues across the whole organisation. This award belongs to us all. As part of our commitment to being an open and transparent organisation, this award is recognition of the work we have achieved together, where our values of dignity, fairness and respect go beyond the delivery of our benefits.”

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives everyone the right to ask for information held by Scottish public authorities, including Social Security Scotland.