National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group information: FOI release

Information requested

Information regarding the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group.

1. The dates and minutes of all meetings of the Group held since 1 January 2023.

2. A list of any sub-groups or working groups established by the Group, with their purpose and membership where available.

3. Copies of any action plans, risk registers, reports, or recommendations produced by the Group during this period.

4. Details of any ministerial attendance, or any briefings to Ministers or Special Advisers arising from the Group’s work since 1 January 2023.

5. The Group’s current Terms of Reference, membership list, and governance structure, including which Scottish Government Directorate or Deputy Director has responsibility for its secretariat.

6. Any plans or timetables for publication of outputs or evaluations of the Group’s effectiveness.

Response

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

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 exemptions under sections s.38(1)(b) (personal information), s.30(b)(i) (provision of advice), s. 29(1)(a) (formulation of Government policy) and of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions applies are explained below. Where relevant documents are already in the public domain we have provided internet links below, in the hope that these will be helpful to you.

An exemption(s) under s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to personal information and specifically the person data of third parties. This applies in this case as the information you have requested includes detailed data of third parties. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under s.30(b)(i) (provision of advice) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to the free and frank provision of advice. 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 some public interest in release because it relates to an issue of concern to the public. However, this is outweighed by the public interest as disclosure of this advice would likely have an inhibiting effect on the provision of advice on this matter.

An exemption under s.29(1)(a) (formulation of Government policy) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to the formulation of the Scottish Government’s policy. 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. Their candour in doing so will be affected by their assessment of whether the discussions on marine planning policy will be disclosed in the near future, when it may undermine or constrain the Government’s view on that policy while it is still under discussion and development.

An exemption under s.30(c) (conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to the effective conduct of public affairs. 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 some public interest in release because it relates to an issue of concern to the public. However, this is outweighed by the public interest as disclosure of this advice would otherwise prejudice substantially the effective conduct of public affairs on this matter.

The National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group has a webpage:

National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group - gov.scot

You can find the membership, Terms of Reference, dates and minutes of meetings on this page. The Child Protection Unit provides the secretariat function for the group, and the unit sits within the Children's Rights, Protection and Justice division, within the Directorate For Children And Families.

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 202500491045 - Information released - Annex 1 and 2

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