NHS Lanarkshire’s Freedom of Information (FOI) team has been shortlisted for Scottish FOI Team of the Year.
In addition, Linda Brownlie, Lead FOI Officer, has also been shortlisted for FOI Practitioner of the Year.
Jackie McColl, Deputy Director of Communications, said: “This recognition reflects the professionalism, resilience and dedication of our FOI team.
“Linda’s leadership, and the collective effort of colleagues across communications and wider services, ensure NHS Lanarkshire meets its legal responsibilities while maintaining openness. The shortlisting highlights the vital role FOI plays in supporting transparency and reinforces our reputation for providing high‑quality, person-centred information.”
FOI is managed by the Communications Department, who work with various colleagues across services, to ensure NHS Lanarkshire meets its statutory responsibilities under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
During 2025, the team handled more than 1,248 FOI requests. This represents a 44% increase since 2022.
Despite this pressure, the team continues to deliver high response rates and maintains a low level of reviews and appeals, reflecting the clarity and quality of responses provided.
Linda Brownlie has led NHS Lanarkshire’s FOI function for over 17 years. She has guided the service through sustained growth in demand, led major process reviews and regularly contributes to the national FOI network.
Linda said: “While it is an honour for the FOI team and for me personally to be shortlisted, this recognition belongs to colleagues right across NHS Lanarkshire.
“The FOI process depends on the responsiveness and expertise of staff in services who take the time to gather, check and provide the information that sits behind every response. Their support, alongside very demanding day jobs, is genuinely appreciated. Thanks to every colleague who helps make our FOI service work.”
More information about FOI requests is on the NHS Lanarkshire public website – https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/foi/request/?highlight=FOI
Photo – Members of the NHS Lanarkshire FOI team. Linda Brownlie, Lead FOI Officer, (front-centre) and Jackie McColl, Deputy Director of Communications (first from the right).
