· FOI · partially withheld
Communications with universities regarding Teach First: FOI release
Information requested
Copies of any communications between the Scottish Government and any Scottish universities regarding the Teach First organisation or in which the Teach First organisation was discussed; Details (including any associated documents) of any meetings between Scottish Government officials and representatives of any Scottish universities regarding the Teach First organisation or at which the Teach First organisation was discussed.
Response
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 30 (c) (Otherwise prejudice effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to that information. The reason why that exemption applies is explained below.
An exemption under section 30 (c) (Otherwise prejudice effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This is because we are currently carrying out a procurement exercise for a new route into teaching. Until that process is complete we do not think it appropriate to disclose information relating to a potential bidder.
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 disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring that an open and fair procurement exercise can be carried out.
Detected exemption language
Response While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 30 (c) (Otherwise prejudice effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to that information. The reason why that exemption applies is explained below. An exemption under section 30 (c) (Otherwise prejudice effective conduct of public affairs) 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.