Bullying and harassment cases within the Scottish Government: FOI release

Information requested

The number of formal cases of bullying and harassment that have been investigated in the last 5 years, with a breakdown on an annual basis.

The number of dismissals that resulted from these formal cases, with a breakdown on an annual basis.

Response

Line managers in the Scottish Government are encouraged to deal with concerns about inappropriate behaviour at an early stage on an informal basis under the Grievance policy, where appropriate. There is no requirement to report informal action to HR but information is held about cases where formal action is taken.

Some of the information you have requested is available from the Scottish Government website. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Details of the number of formal complaints of bullying and harassment during the period 1 January 2017 to 28 June 2022 was released in August 2022. This information can be accessed via the hyperlink below:

The number of incidents of bullying within the Government in the last five years: FOI release - gov.scot(www.gov.scot)

For the remaining period (that is, between 29 June 2022 and 12 June 2024 (the date of your request)), there have been the following formal complaints of bullying and harassment which have been investigated:

• 29 June 2022 to 31 December 2022 3 complaints
• 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 4 complaints
• 1 January 2024 to 12 June 2024 1 complaint

Over the 5 year period, there were no dismissals resulting from these cases.

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.