News from mySociety

Transparency

A cross-border investigation into missing children

A large scale project, Lost In Europe, has brought together journalists to investigate the thousands of children who go missing as they attempt to migrate across borders.

It's involved Freedom of Information requests in 16 countries — and we're pleased to have been able to play a small part by making introductions to our friends and partners within the Alaveteli network. Read all about this vital investigation here.

Removing barriers for disabled cyclists

Councils sometimes unwittingly introduce obstructions on public paths that make it hard — or even impossible — for disabled cyclists to use them: see the photo above for an example.

It's understandably infuriating for those who find their access blocked. But, as it turns out, there's an effective way to get things changed: we spoke to some savvy campaigners who've had very good results with FOI. And best of all? We could all do the same.

How have you been using our refusals tool?

Last month we launched new functionality on WhatDoTheyKnow, helping people understand why their FOI request has been refused, and showing how to challenge the refusal where appropriate.

We are, of course, really interested to see how it's being used, and whether it's getting results. Researcher Alex dug into the data here.

Jobs

Not just any old designer

We're looking for a new member of our Design team... but we need someone who's more than just a designer. As with so many roles at mySociety, you'll have fingers in many pies.

Monday 16 August is the date to get those applications in by, and you can see the full job description and how to apply here.

Community

Where the wildflowers are

Some people are quick to jump on FixMyStreet and report that their local verges have not been mown; but there's an increasing movement towards asking councils to let them grow wild. After speaking to the charity Plantlife, we're very much in favour of allowing those flowers to flourish.

Find out why here — and then you might consider asking your local authority to consider the cost benefits, along with the better conditions for bees, bugs, butterflies and general biodiversity.

A new home for KeepItInTheCommunity

You may remember KeepItInTheCommunity, our project to map all community-owned spaces and places across the country. Well, it's going to a happy new home with its original funders, the Plunkett Foundation. See all the details here.

Climate

Keeping up with our climate work

We're continuing to work in the open on our climate programme, with monthly updates to document progress. Here's the latest installment, featuring new members of staff, a webinar, and a question over whether you can ever really make a pop-up more digestible, even with smiley faces... :)

TICTeC

Save the date

Tuesday 28th September is Right To Know Day, and this year we'll be marking it with a special TICTeC Show and Tell. Speakers will showcase what has been achieved with FOI around the world.

Everyone's welcome, so mark the date in your diary, and we'll have more details a bit nearer the time.

What we're reading

• From GOV.UK: An insight into the uncertainty of designing the vaccination booking software, while policy was evolving and requirements changing.
• Democracy Club has put out its assessment of the recent local elections; and they're also looking for a COO.
• The Ferret discovers that a third of Scotland's biggest windfarms are linked to tax havens.
• This Twitterbot tags Belgium's politicians when they're distracted by their phones during debates.

Follow mySociety

Share this newsletter