FOI/202600514732 · FOI · partially withheld
Scottish Government workforce project documents and objectives: FOI release
Information requested
1) All documents from 2026 including project plan which fall under project led by Director Annabel Turpie.
2) Aims of the project.
3) Defined objectives of the project.
4) Scope of the project.
Response
Please find attached requested information in Annex B and document attached. Some exemptions have been applied of which are outlined in Annex A.
ANNEX A
The exemptions that apply in this instance are:
Section 29(1)(a) – formulation or development of government policy
An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the development of the Scottish Government’s policy on reducing its Total Operating Costs. 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 a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications. Their candour in doing so will be affected by their assessment of whether the discussions on reducing its Total Operating Costs will be disclosed in the near future, when it may undermine or constrain the Government’s view on that policy while it is still under discussion and development.
Section 38(1)(b) – Personal data
Some information has been withheld as an exemption under section 38(1)(b) (personal data) of FOISA applies to that information, this is because it is personal data of a third party and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in Section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. 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.
ANNEX B
1) All documents from 2026 including project plan which fall under project led by Director Annabel Turpie.
2) Aims of the project.
3) Defined objectives of the project.
4) Scope of the project.
The ‘delivery plan’ is attached which sets out detail around the project.
The aims of the project are summarised on the second slide.
The objectives and scope of the project can be summarised as follows:
The project team is working as a short-life project, concluding in May 2026, to:
Provide ET with options and recommendations for core SG to reduce our TOC aligned to the People Directorate strategic workforce plan and build an efficient, skilled and better supported workforce to deliver – and improve productivity and Value for Money Identify gaps and opportunities in existing practices, policies and processes that will initiate an implementation plan to deliver meaningful change including delivery of products and support through short-term projects. Engage our people and develop an implementation plan to support delivery and create the conditions for success.
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.
Detected exemption language
Some exemptions have been applied of which are outlined in Annex A. ANNEX A The exemptions that apply in this instance are: Section 29(1)(a) – formulation or development of government policy An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the development of the Scottish Government’s policy on reducing its Total Operating Costs. 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.