Transparency

What is transparency?
Transparency is about the visibility of the decisions we take and the factors that influence them, including what our plans are and how we recruit and pay Board members. It is also about how we design and prioritise our services, how we procure and pay for them, and how services perform.

Where can I find out more about Riverside’s approach to transparency?
Riverside’s approach to transparency is set out in our Transparency statement. This explains our guiding principles, what we will publish routinely and how we deal with requests for information. It also explains the circumstances when we might refuse to provide information.

Is Riverside subject to Freedom of Information legislation?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 provide public access to information held by public authorities. However within The Riverside Group only Riverside Scotland is classed as a public authority for the purposes of Freedom of Information legislation.

What do I do if I want to find out more about Riverside?
The website is a good place to start but you can also get information from the Customer Service Team (see the Contact us page) and information that we send you regularly such as newsletters and our annual report to customers.

For general information about Riverside visit the About us page on our website. For information about the area you live follow the links to the pages for your area – there is a wealth of information on You & your home pages.

What if the information I need is not readily available?
You can contact us and ask if we can provide the information. For details please visit the Contact us page on our website.

How quickly will you respond?
We normally respond to letters within five working days and email, telephone or social media enquiries within one working day. If we are able to provide all or some of the information you have requested we will do this within 20 working days.

Are there any reasons why you might refuse my request?
In some cases we will be unable to provide the information. This is likely to be the case where:

  • It would involve disclosing personal information as defined by the Data Protection Act 2018.
  • The information is confidential or commercially sensitive.
  • The information is in draft form.
  • Disclosure is prevented by law.
  • The information is not readily available/ is difficult to access.