Tourism industry leadership group: FOI release

Information requested

I write in relation to the above recruitment process which was facilitated by VisitScotland, in partnership with the Scottish Tourism Alliance and the Scottish Government. I have received messages from Women In Tourism members requesting further information on the process undertaken and am writing to seek clarity on:

• The decision-making panel: who (which individual/s) was/were responsible for short-listing those considered for the ILG?
• What additional criteria were used outwith those listed on the application form?
• What weighting was given to the fixed criteria (<40, ethnic minority, female applicants) against the skills criteria set out?
• How many of those on the ILG already have a partnership agreement in place, or are on committees with the agencies involved in the recruitment process (STA, VS etc)?
• What level of discussion was taken over the short-list prior to agreement and who (individuals) were involved in this process?
• How many women applied for the ILG, and what percentage of those announced for the ILG are female?

Response

I will answer each question in turn:

The decision-making panel: who (which individual/s) was/were responsible for short-listing those considered for the ILG?

All decisions on who was invited to join the panel were made by the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise.

Shortlisting was undertaken by:

• Head of Division - Tourism and Hospitality, Scottish Government
• Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Tourism Alliance
• Director of Industry & Destination Development, VisitScotland

What additional criteria were used outwith those listed on the application form?

No additional criteria were used.

What weighting was given to the fixed criteria (<40, ethnic minority, female applicants) against the skills criteria set out?

All candidates were considered equally against the skills, knowledge and experience set out in Appendix A in the Terms of reference.

How many of those on the ILG already have a partnership agreement in place, or are on committees with the agencies involved in the recruitment process (STA, VS etc)?

ILG members are appointed by the Minister to the group as individuals and not representing of their businesses/organisation. Working relationships may exist between their businesses / organisations and SG / VS / STA but not necessarily with the specific individuals.

What level of discussion was taken over the short-list prior to agreement and who (individuals) were involved in this process?

The panel met virtually on a number of occasions (1 preparatory panel meeting and 3 panel sessions c. 2hrs-3hrs per session) to review the list of candidates based on the matrix of skills, knowledge & experience and based on the aim of the ILG to achieve the right blend of skills, knowledge and experience. From this analysis and in-depth discussions a shortlist was prepared and SG officials submitted recommendations with advice to the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise for final sign off.

How many women applied for the ILG, and what percentage of those announced for the ILG are female?

A total of 87 applications were received (44 applications from females and 43 applications from males). Of the ILG members announced, nine are female and 10 are male. This equates to 47%. The ILG membership is now accessible on SG website: Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.