Communication with SQA from May 2021: FOI release

Information requested

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Qualifications Authority from 17 May to 23 June 2021, broken down by 6 separate timeframes (Micase refs: 239803, 239817, 239833, 239841, 239847, 239858). Clarification was provided on 27 September 2021, that the request related to the 'future of the SQA in relation to the announcement made by the Education Secretary on 21 June 2021'.

Response

Attached is a copy of some of the information requested. 

Some of the information you have requested is available is available from Reform discussion held with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.

An exemption(s) under section(s) s.30 (b)(i) and 38 (1) (b) of FOISA applies to some the information you have requested.
s.30 (b)(i) - relates to free and frank exchange of advice and is therefore withheld.
s.38(1)(b) - relates to personal data relating to a third party and is therefore withheld.

The 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 some public interest in release because some of the information is within scope of your request. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in: ensuring the full, free and frank consideration and/or development of options and priorities for Scottish Ministers, who will subsequently determine which of these should be translated into political action and/or legislation and in ensuring that the provision of sensitive advice or views to support the effective deliberation on option and/or priorities and is not inhibited; and in protecting personal data, such as personal contact details and the names of junior officials, which are not necessary to fulfil your legitimate interests.

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.

FOI202100239833 - Information released

File type

2 page PDF

File size

528.8 kB