Chief Social Work Adviser correspondence: FOI release

Information requested

All correspondence in the last 3 months to date between the Chief Social Work Adviser and each of the following:

(1) Professor Alexis Jay
(2) Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
(3) The Justice Secretary's private secretary and wider private office.
(4) Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
(5) The Education Secretary's private secretary and wider private office.
(6) Scottish Government Special Advisers

Response

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

Due to the wide scope of the request, we have narrowed the request for each of these questions to interpret that you are looking for information in relation to Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. This interpretation has been made due to the request for correspondence between the Chief Social Work Adviser and Professor Alexis Jay.

If we were to interpret that you want all correspondence relating to all subject matters then this request would likely exceed the upper cost limit of £600.

An exemption(s) under section s.38(1)(b)] 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.29(1)(a) (formulation of Government policy) of FOISA also 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. The documents that have been withheld on this occasion directly relate to policies that are currently under development.

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 202500498571 - Information released - Annex A

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199.7 kB