Freedom of Information

What is a FOI request?

You have the right to request information from any publicly-funded body, including NSS. Alternatively, find out how to access your own personal information that NSS holds.

Before you make a FOI request

You may not need to make a request for information if it has already been published. NSS may not store the information you are looking for. We have produced a Guide to Information which details what information is available from us. A lot of information is also available by searching our publications.

See previous FOI request responses

Make a new FOI request

The easiest way to make a new request is by filling in this form. 

• Title
  Other Mr Ms Mrs Miss Dr Prof
• Name
• Occupation (optional)
• Organisation (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Fax number (optional)
• Full details of your information request
• Type of response required
  Email Letter Large print letter Braille letter

Postal address for letter reply

• Address
• Address 2 (optional)
• Town
• County (optional)
• Postcode
• Country

Other ways to make a new request

Email: NSS.FOI@nhs.net

Phone: 0131 275 7496

Write:

Associate Director of Corporate Affairs and Compliance
0131 275 6449
National Services Scotland
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB

Provide:

• your name
• your address
• phone number (optional)
• full details of what you’re looking for.

When you’ll get a response

We’ll respond to all requests within 20 working days.

If your request is denied

In some cases, sensitive information is exempt and isn’t available to the public.

This includes information that is:

• about to be published
• personal and covered by the Data Protection Act
• commercially confidential.

In those circumstances where disclosure may not be possible due to the application of an exemption, we still seek to release information in cases where the public interest overrides the exemption applied. We’ll always explain our reasons if we withhold information.

Reviews

If we withhold information, you can ask us to review our decision. If you’re still dissatisfied after our review, you can appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner who’s responsible for enforcing the Freedom of Information Act.