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Other bodies who can help

Our office enforces and promotes freedom of information (FOI) law in Scotland. We provide advice and guidance on using FOI to access information from Scotland's public bodies and investigate appeals if things go wrong. 

If your concern doesn't relate to our role, there are a number of other organisations that may be able to help.  

This page has details of organisations who can provide helpful advice, guidance and support in all sorts of circumstances.

Maintaining trust in public services

In most cases, if you have an issue, concern or complaint about a public service or public body in Scotland, you should raise it with the organisation in the first instance. 

Most public bodies have a procedure for dealing with problems or complaints, and issues can normally be resolved through this route. 

However, if an issue is unresolved, or if you're looking for more information or advice, the organisations below may help you take the next step towards a resolution. 

Concerned about the use of your personal information?

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

The ICO is responsible for enforcing data protection law across the whole of the UK. Data protection law governs how organisations must handle the personal information they hold, while also giving you a right of access to information that is held about you. As well as enforcing data protection across the UK, the ICO is also responsible for enforcing freedom of information (FOI) law for public bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Visit the ICO's website to find out more. 

Scottish Biometrics Commissioner

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner promotes lawful practices in relation to any 'biometric data' that is held for law enforcement purposes. 'Biometric data' can include fingerprint data, blood samples and DNA samples which can be used to identify people. The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner can investigate complaints in relation to the inappropriate use of biometric data.

Visit the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner's website to find out more.

Concerned about the actions of an MSP, councillor or a board member of a public body?

As in other situations, concerns about the actions of an elected representative or board member should normally be raised with the organisation in the first instance. Local councils, the Scottish Parliament and public bodies will typically have codes of conduct that must be followed, and organisations will consider possible failures to comply.

Other organisations that provide support are: 

Ethical Standards Commissioner

The Ethical Standards Commissioner investigates complaints about the behaviour of MSPs, local authority councillors, and board members of public bodies and about lobbyists. The Ethical Standards Commissioner also regulates how people are appointed to the boards of public bodies in Scotland. 

Visit the Ethical Standards Commissioner's website to find out more.

The Standards Commission for Scotland

The Standards Commission for Scotland is responsible for promoting the codes of conduct covering the behaviour of councillors and those appointed to the boards of Scottish public bodies. The Standards Commission also adjudicates on alleged breaches of the codes of conduct.

Visit the Standards Commission for Scotland website to find out more. 

Concerned about an equality, discrimination or human rights issue?

Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

The EASS gives advice to individuals across the whole of Great Britain on equality and discrimination issues, can explain the rights provided by discrimination legislation and provide related guidance, support and advice. 

Visit the EASS website to find out more.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

The EHRC enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation across the Scotland, England and Wales. They use a range of powers to do so, provide advice and guidance to individuals, and can take enforcement action to address significant breaches of rights.

Visit the EHRC's website to find out more. 

Concerned about the way a charity is being run?

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

OSCR is responsible for regulating Scotland's charities. This includes community groups, religious charities, schools, universities, grant-giving charities and major care providers. Their role includes conducing inquiries where concerns have been raised about the way in which a charity is being run. 

Visit OSCR's website to find out more.

Concerned about the actions of a housing association?

Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR)

While the SHR isn't able to deal with individual complaints, it can consider failures by landlords that affect a group of social landlord tenants. This might include, for example, situations where a social landlord (housing association) has failed to consult with tenants on a rent increase, or is consistently not carrying out repairs when it should or not responding formally to complaints. 

If your concern affects a group of social landlord tenants, visit the SHR's website to find out more.

If your concern relates to an individual complaint (e.g. one which affects just you or your home) you can contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (after first following your landlord's internal complaints procedure). 

Further advice and support

Click below for details of other organisations that can provide advice, support or guidance on a wide range of topics.