Freedom of Information request pilot queries: FOI release

Information requested

Interesting, sounds like a new process then? Not something thats on your website. So i'd like to FOI each below question:

1. Why did this process come about?

2. Why is it no explained on the website?

3. Who made the decision? - can I see the decision making process? Not sure I am allowed!

4. When did the process start?

5. Between when it started and now, how many Freedom of infos have been broken up?

6. Of the ones broken up, how many parts were each broken into?

7. Who decides how they are broken up? Whats the process?

8. Can I see each FOI that was broken up, the original Q and the broken parts?

9. How many consultants were involved in all this above and how much did they charge?

Response

This request is in relation to our splitting your request into a number of smaller requests.

Q1. Why did this process come about?

This process is in its Pilot stage.

It was developed and launched to help improve the allocation of requests that contain multiple questions, spanning several business areas of the Scottish Government.

Q2. Why is it no explained on the website?

We have not explained this new approach on our website because the process is still in its pilot stage. The pilot is allowing us to introduce a new process to test its effectiveness before fuller implementation. This approach allows us to assess how the process works in practice, identifying any challenges, acting on feedback received and making improvements. At present we are still refining the process, ensuring it delivers our intended results.

The ultimate goal of the pilot is to improve our requesters’ experience.

We will consider updating our website once we have had an opportunity to evaluate the outcomes of the pilot and determined if the process should remain in place.

Q3. Who made the decision? - can I see the decision making process? Not sure I am allowed!

An exemption under FOISA s17, Information not held, has been applied. This is because the decision to run a pilot was made by the FOI Unit verbally, based on the team’s observations of allocating these types of requests, and anecdotal feedback received from numerous case handlers across SG.

The Scottish Information Commissioner was advised of our plans ahead of the pilot rollout.

A decision on next steps has yet to be taken.

Q4. When did the process start?

Our pilot rolled out across SG on 29 July 2024.

Q5. Between when it started and now, how many Freedom of infos have been broken up?

From 29 July 2024 to 25 to 27 Feb 2025 the number is 109.

Q6. Of the ones broken up, how many parts were each broken into?

The 109 requests were broken into 323 different cases.

Q7. Who decides how they are broken up? Whats the process?

Our triage staff within the FOI Unit decide on the split of requests based on the subject matter of the questions being asked.

Q8. Can I see each FOI that was broken up, the original Q and the broken parts?

Please see attached Annex A.

Q9. How many consultants were involved in all this above and how much did they charge?

Zero. The SG did not employ any consultants to undertake this piece of work. The pilot was developed and managed by FOI Unit staff within existing budgets.

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 202500455113 - Information released - Annex A

File type

PDF

File size

726.2 kB