Communication with Schoolwear Association: FOI release
- Published
- 28 October 2024
- Directorate
- Learning Directorate
- Topic
- Education, Public sector
- FOI reference
- FOI/202400432709
- Date received
- 18 September 2024
- Date responded
- 16 October 2024
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Information requested
Any communication between the Scottish Government and any representatives of the Schoolwear Association and/or specifically from Stevensons (the schoolwear supply company) between 01/01/2023 - present.
Response
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested. Copies of email correspondence are included at Appendix 1 and attachments to these emails are included at Appendix 2.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) 25(1) -
Otherwise accessible; 30(b)(ii) - free and frank exchange of views; and 38(1)(b) - Third party personal data of FOISA applies to that information.
Some of the information you have requested is available on the Scottish Government website at Education: School Uniform Working Group - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). The information this relates to, and where you can access it, is highlighted throughout Appendix 2. 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(s) listed, then please contact me
again and I will send you a paper copy.
An exemption(s) under section(s) 30(b)(ii) - free and frank exchange of views of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This information is specifically previous draft versions of the school uniform and clothing guidance and previous draft versions of the school uniform working group's Terms of Reference which were shared with the working group at various points during their development for comment and refinement. These documents are highlighted in Appendix 2.
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 some public interest in release as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in allowing officials a private space within which to develop policy, ensuring that draft guidance and other documents reflect the discussions of the working group and the wider context, and supports the sharing of draft documents with the working group for discussion, further refinement and amendment.
An exemption under section s.38(1)(b) - third party personal data applies to some of the information you have requested and some information, including names and contact details have been redacted. 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.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
- File type
- File size
- 809.5 kB
Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback