Vaccination Transformation Programme Board minutes: FOI release

Information requested

The Agendas, meeting papers and minutes from all meetings of the Vaccination Transformation Programme Board since March 2019.

Response

The Programme Board held meetings on 21 November 2019 and 4 March 2020. I attach copies of both agendas.

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) and (ii) (free and frank exchange of advice and views) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This is because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views and provision of advice. 

This exemption recognises the need for officials to have a private space in which to provide free and frank advice to other officials. Disclosing the content of free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views in relation to an investigation would substantially inhibit the provision of such advice, or the exchange of such views, in the future.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate.

However, there is a greater public interest in allowing officials a private space within which to explore and refine the process and procedure by which investigations are conducted. This private thinking space is essential to enable all information and options to be properly considered. Disclosure is likely to undermine the quality of this process, which would not be in the public interest. 

Information outwith the FOI request:
You may be interested to note that in March 2020, a decision was made to extend the Vaccination Transformation Programme by one year, to April 2022, in recognition that NHS Boards are focussing on the COVID-19 response and this is expected to be the position for the foreseeable future. 

Vaccination Transformation Programme (VTP)
Programme Board meeting
4 March 2020 10.00am-12.00pm
Conference Rooms C & D, SAH, Edinburgh

AGENDA

Item	Papers
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Minutes and actions from last meeting	Minutes & Action Log
3 IT Interim Solutions 3.1 Implications for data flow 3.2 Immunisers access to clinical data	Oral Summary
4. Current position on workstreams 4.1 Routine Childhood Programme 4.2 Flu vaccine for 2-5 year olds not at school 4.3 Adult flu 4.4 Adult Pneumococcal vaccine 4.5 Adult Shingles vaccine 4.6 Travel Health (advice & vaccination)
5. BCM Survey Evaluation	Oral Summary
6. Role of Immunisation Coordinator document: sign off	Document
7. Draft Framework (HSCW)	Paper
8. Review of Risks & Issues	Extract Risk & Issue Log
9. Any Other Business

Vaccination Transformation Programme (VTP)
Programme Board
21 November 2019 10.00am-12.00pm
Conference Rooms C & D, SAH, Edinburgh

AGENDA

Item	Papers
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. VTP Reset – the case for change
3. Current position	Position Paper
4. Future plans/direction of the programme	Success Criteria Governance Information Systems Stakeholder Communications & Engagement
5. Review of Risks & Issues	Extract Risk & Issue Log
6. Any Other Business

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