Scottish Environment Protection Agency Board member appointment applications: FOI release

Information requested

In relation to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency Board member appointment advertised from 10 March 2021 with a closing date for applications of 12 April 2021, please can you answer the following: 

• how many applications were submitted?
• how many were shortlisted?
• how many applicants presented detailed knowledge of Scottish environmental policy?
• how many had knowledge of the biased approaches adopted by SEPA staff members?
• how many had first-hand experience of SEPA staff being unwilling to entertain novel approaches and review of approved policy?

Response

The answers to your first two questions are that we received 53 applications of which 10 people were shortlisted for interview.

Candidates were required by means of a letter and tailored CV to demonstrate evidence of how they met, as outlined in the applicant information pack, at least one of the priority criteria of strategic analytical capability and/or environmental performance, along with two of the essential criteria of communication and influencing, and constructive and supportive challenge.

From the information provided, the selection panel assessed each candidate as to whether sufficient evidence was provided on how they met the criteria being tested at application and whether or not they should be shortlisted for interview. 

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. The reasons why we do not have the information are explained in the Annex.

ANNEX

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

An exemption applies
The Scottish Government does not have the information you have asked for because applicants were not asked to provide evidence of detailed knowledge of Scottish environmental policy; knowledge of the biased approaches adopted by SEPA staff members; and first-hand experience of SEPA staff being unwilling to entertain novel approaches and review of approved policy, in the letter and tailored CV.

This is a formal notice under Section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

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.