Former First Minister’s engagements and financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network): FOI release

Information requested

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting the following information regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s engagements and any financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network) during her tenure as First Minister of Scotland (from November 20, 2014, to March 28, 2023) or in any official capacity related to the Scottish Government.

1. Details of any meetings, events, communications (including emails, letters, or calls), or other engagements between Nicola Sturgeon (or her office) and representatives of NEON, including dates, locations, participants, agendas, minutes, or summaries.

2. Any records of payments, honoraria, reimbursements, donations, or other financial benefits received by Nicola Sturgeon (personally or through her office) from NEON or any affiliated entities, including amounts, dates, and purposes.

3. If no such engagements or financial receipts exist, confirmation of this fact based on a search of relevant records.

Response

Thank you for your request dated 28 August 2025 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). I am pleased to attach a response to your request.

If you have any questions, please contact us citing case reference 202500482305.

Question 1: This is a formal notice under Section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested because the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon had no engagements with NEON. You may wish to note that the Scottish Government proactively publish ministerial engagement which can be found on the Scottish Government website here.

Question 2: This is a formal notice under Section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested because there are no records of payments, honoraria, reimbursements, donations or other financial benefits from NEON to the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. When in office, ministers are required to complete a declaration of interests. You can find the former First Minister’s published declarations, released in response to Freedom of Information requests, here and here.

Question 3: I can confirm that a reasonable and proportionate search was conducted which included a search of our electronic records data management system (eRDM) and a review of the former first ministers declaration of interests.

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.