National Care Service and National Social Work Agency Summary Target Operating Models: FOI release

Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.


Information requested

1) The latest version of the Summary Target Operating Model and supporting documents.

2) The full TOM for the NCS or, if this has not yet been finalised, an indication of when it is likely to be completed.

3) The latest version of the TOM that is in development for the NSWA.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

The answer to point 1 of your question
Following the information that was previously provided to you

I am providing the current version of the Summary Target Operating Model. This continues to be developed and will be published once finalised. Due to this some content has been reacted under section(s) s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) of FOISA applies to

The s29(1)(a) (policy formulation) exemption has been applied as some of the information contained within the Summary Target Operating Model is subject to on-going policy evaluation and formulation.

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 interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications.

In relation to point 3

I am providing the latest version of the TOM that is in development for the NSWA.

This work on the NSWA Target Operating Model – is at an early stage and this version reflects a capture of agreements with principal partners at time of drafting– April 2024. Work was discontinued on the NSWA TOM from August 2024 until partners agreed a preferred model of NSWA. Wider work was also captured on this document and therefore some content has been redacted as below pending final policy decisions, partner discussion and publication.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) of FOISA applies to

The s29(1)(a) (policy formulation) exemption has been applied as some of the information contained within the NSWA Target Operating Model is subject to on-going policy evaluation and formulation.

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 interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications.

In relation to point 2

The full revised Target Operating Model for the National Care Service is under on-going development, the expectation is the first iteration of this will be finalised to support National Care Service delivery.

About FOI

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

FOI 202400438934 - Information Released - Annex

Contact

Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000

The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

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