Information relating to the former Scottish Government Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans: FOI release

Information requested

For information relating to Leslie Evans, the former Scottish Government Permanent Secretary:

1. What was the total sum paid to Ms Evans in a one-off lump sum?
2. What is the value of her annual pension award?
3. Please provide details of any other payment made to Ms Evans on termination of her contract.

Response

In response to the first 2 questions:

Leslie Evans left employment through normal retirement from the Civil Service and received the normal payments due to her under the terms of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (MyCSP). Any payments made were in line with the normal rules governing Civil Service pensions and compensation – a matter which is managed and administered between Leslie Evans and MyCSP - the civil service pension scheme administrator. Information on Civil Service Pension Scheme rules can be found at: Civil Service Pensions: Scheme rules (civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk). While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information that you have requested. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government did not have the information that you have requested at the time your request was made.

It may help you to know that information on Leslie Evans’ pension arrangements was provided to us by the pension scheme administrator MyCSP, after the date that your request was made so that this may be published in our annual report and accounts for 2021-22. The information received from MyCSP is in the process of being verified including through external audit of the annual report and accounts and will be published towards the end of this year. The information will be published in the same format as the 20-21 SG Consolidated Accounts, which provided details of pension benefits accrued as at 31 March 2021.

With regard to your 3rd question:

Leslie Evans received payment for 19.5 days Annual Leave which were outstanding prior to her retirement date.

In addition, a payment was made to compensate Leslie Evans for the three month unpaid waiting period which is required of permanent secretaries upon leaving the Civil Service. Such payments are permitted under ACOBA's Business Appointment Rules, subject to consultation with Cabinet Office.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.