Relationships between staff within the Scottish Government: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Information requested
1) How many cases of staff close relationships have been reported since 2019. (Please separate the numbers per year and by category (if the number is less than 5 please provide in the format <5 in order to protect anonymity.) E.g. Parents & Children - 15, Married - 8, Non-married relationship - 30.)
2) What is the official stance of the Scottish on staff relationships of different types (e.g. relationships between management and staff)
3) Please provide details of any complaints or formal employment cases brought forward due to improper relationships or failure to report them.
Response
I enclose a copy of all of the information you requested in the format you asked for.
I have included an answer to the three separate points included within your request below:
1) How many cases of staff close relationships have been reported since 2019. (Please separate the numbers per year and by category (if the number is less than 5 please provide in the format <5 in order to protect anonymity.) E.g. Parents & Children - 15, Married - 8, Nonmarried relationship - 30.)
Answer: Please see the attached breakdown of categories of close relationships between staff (individuals employed within SG and Executive Agencies) that have been declared by staff since 2019, presented in the requested format.
2) What is the official stance of the Scottish Government on staff relationships of different types (e.g. relationships between management and staff)
Answer: The values of the Civil Service Code are very clear on the requirement for civil servants to display integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality in all situations. This is further reinforced by the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
Under the Declaration and Management of Outside Interests (DOI) policy ‘personal interests’ are one of the categories of interests staff are required to consider and declare where relevant. 'Personal interests' are defined as:
Where a staff member has a relationship with close family members, friends or personal relationships (including from a work context) which could influence their objectivity (or be perceived as such).
Scottish Government do not prohibit personal relationships at work providing staff operate with professionalism and adhere to the expected standards of behaviour. Put simply, anyone exercising authority in favour of a personal relationship would clearly breach the DOI policy and conflict with the expected standards of behaviour, which would be handled in line with Scottish Government’s disciplinary process.
Presently, guidance is in development to supplement the DOI policy, and support staff and managers in raising and managing declarations of ‘personal interests’ regarding a personal relationship at work.
3) Please provide details of any complaints or formal employment cases brought forward due to improper relationships or failure to report them.
Answer: Following searches by the relevant teams, I can confirm no relevant complaints or formal cases have been brought forward.
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.
Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG