FOI/202100209364 · FOI · partially withheld
Reform discussion held with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release
Information requested
All communication between the Scottish Government (cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff) and the SQA regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA. This request includes any attachments where applicable.
Response
Attached is some of the information requested. As well as advising that the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority discussed the matter on the morning of 3 June 2021. An exemption(s) under section(s) s.38(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. It relates to Third Party data and therefore is withheld as contains the personal data of a third party. 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 because information relating to public authority employees involved in the exchanges released may be helpful. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in protecting personal data, such as personal contact details and the names of junior officials, which are not necessary to fulfil your legitimate interest. 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.
Detected exemption language
An exemption(s) under section(s) s.38(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. 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.