Seminar on how to deal with vexatious requests

The Centre for Freedom of Information in Scotland’s autumn seminar series continues with an event on Wednesday 17 November 2010, looking at how to deal with vexatious requests.  The event will be in the Dalhousie building, University of Dundee.  A buffet lunch is served at 1pm, and the seminar will run from 2pm to 4pm.  Speakers are:

• Jane Munro, Junior Counsel, Ampersand.  Jane will share her thoughts on the various legal perspectives of ‘vexatious’ in civil litigation. What does it mean in the wider context, and how does its specific meaning within the FOI Act in Scotland compare?   
• Maurice Frankel, Director of the Campaign for FOI – Maurice is travelling up from England to share his thoughts on the Commissioner’s decisions which relate to section 14 of FOISA, ‘Vexatious or repeated requests’  
•  Valerie Malloch, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.  The SPSO has undertaken work looking at how to deal with difficult behaviour in the complaints process.  Valerie will share their current thinking and practical thoughts for discussion, and look at where FOI fits into this bigger picture.

Why should you attend this seminar?

• This is a topic which past delegates tell us is of particular interest to them.  We seek to add direct and current value to ensure that attendance is worthwhile in these difficult economic times; 
•  The seminars provide access to some of Scotland and the UK’s biggest experts in FOI and other related matters; 
• Sessions are intentionally brief, focused and audiences relatively small, to ensure that delegates get the greatest personal benefit from attending.

The full programme for this seminar is available from www.centrefoi.org.uk/. If you would like to attend, please email centrefoi@dundee.ac.uk or download and post the booking form to Donna Hendry, School of Law, Scrymgeour Building, University of Dundee DD1 4HN.