Chief Social Work Adviser's diary engagements: FOI release

Information requested

Further to the Scottish Government's response to FOI request 202600502551, I would like to request the following information:

1) Document 1 of Annex A lists the Chief Social Work Adviser's diary engagements. I would like the minutes and list of attendees for the following diary engagements:

• 09/12/2025 - 10:05-11:30 - Confirmed CSAE Proposal and Next Steps
• 12/12/2025 - 11:15-12:00 Iona and Alexis Catch Up
• 15/12/2025 - 13:00 – 13:45 - CSAE work chat
• 16/12/2025 - 12:30-13:30 - Meeting Iona Colvin, Angela Latta, Professor Jay
• 16/12/2025 - 16:00-17:00 CSAE Inspectorate Proposal Discussion

If minutes/list of attendees/topics discussed are not available for any or all of the above, please provide a reason why not for each one individually.

2) Regarding the catch up between the Chief Social Work Adviser and Professor Alexis Jay on 12th December 2025, who put this engagement into the CSWA's diary, and on what date and time was this engagement added to her diary?

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in Annex A.

While our aim is to provide information whenever this is possible, in this instance under Section 17(1) we advise that the Scottish Government does not hold some of the information you have requested. We have carried out a robust and proportionate search of diaries, emails and databases, however there is no evidence a phone call took place between Iona Colvin and Alexis Jay on 12 December at 11:15.

We can confirm however that this engagement was initially placed into the Chief Social Work Officers diary at 09:45 on 12 December by the Chief Social Work Officers support team.

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.​​​​​​​

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FOI 202600507310 - Information Released - Annex A

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