Scottish Government IT Code of Conduct breach statistics: FOI release

Information requested

In your request you asked for the following information:

How many civil servants have been

a) referred for further action

b) formally disciplined

c) investigated or

d) disciplined in any other way in relation to breaches of the IT Code of Conduct since 1 January 2024 to date. Break this down per month in the dates specified.

Whether any of these breaches related to productivity or the regularity with which they logged-on to their computer.

Response

As outlined in the Scottish Government’s IT Code of Conduct, attempts to access inappropriate material online is considered a disciplinary matter. Action is taken in line with Scottish Government disciplinary policy where concerns are identified.

Since 1 January 2024, seven civil servants have been referred for further action in relation to breaches of the IT Code of Conduct. Further action involves line managers dealing with concerns about inappropriate behaviour at an early stage and where appropriate, on an informal basis. Informal action could include addressing concerns through discussion, feedback, training and coaching. Where an allegation of misconduct is more serious, formal disciplinary procedures would apply.

During the same period, there have been no instances where civil servants have been formally disciplined, investigated, or disciplined in any other way in relation to breaches of the IT Code of Conduct.

There have also been no breaches related to productivity or the regularity with which staff logged on to their computer.

You will wish to note that the information provided above relates to the arrangements that apply in the HR team responsible for the core Director-General areas within the Scottish Government (see Annex A for details). HR teams covering other areas may operate different arrangements

ANNEX A
Core Directorates of the Scottish Government:

Director-General Communities

Director-General Corporate

Director-General Economy

Director-General Education and Justice

Director-General Health and Social Care

Director-General Net Zero

Director-General Scottish Exchequer

Director-General Strategy and External Affairs

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.