Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP) interview data: FOI release

Information requested

I should like to make an FOI request in relation to the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel, (independent candidate) interview. This was carried out at Victoria Quay on 16 June 2025. The interview panel was chaired by Jane Ryder, the Chair of SAFAP.

My information request is the following;

1. How many interviewees were called to attend the interview, either in person or by zoom? The post interview feedback given to me gave the number as “ small “. No number was quoted.

2. Has any member of the SAFAP interview panel had previous contact with (whether privately, socially, or through the SAFAP / Treasure Trove Unit ), any of the interview attendees?

3. If any member of the SAFAP interview panel did have prior contact with an interview candidate, would they require to recuse themselves?

4. Do the contemporaneous interview notes say if any member recused themselves?

Response

The appointment round details you have requested are set out below. Where numbers of candidates are fewer than 5, we cannot disclose their personal information, under s38(1)(b) of FOISA Exemptions.

1. How many interviewees were called to attend the interview, either in person or by zoom? The post interview feedback given to me gave the number as “ small “. No number was quoted.

The answer to this question cannot be shared under s38(1)(b), however, I can confirm all interviews were conducted in person.

2. Has any member of the SAFAP interview panel had previous contact with (whether privately, socially, or through the SAFAP / Treasure Trove Unit ), any of the interview attendees?

The answer to this question cannot be shared under s38(1)(b).

3. If any member of the SAFAP interview panel did have prior contact with an interview candidate, would they require to recuse themselves?

If any member of the SAFAP interview panel did have prior contact with an interview candidate, they would have declared this to the panel chair in advance of the interview. At the point, and if necessary, a decision would have been taken on whether the member should recuse themselves.

4. Do the contemporaneous interview notes say if any member recused themselves?

No member of the SAFAP interview panel recused themselves.

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