Back to index Original on gov.scot

FOI/202600516145 · FOI · partially withheld

Notes and feedback from 2026 ministerial exit interviews: FOI release

Published
2026-10-26
Received
2026-05-05
Responded
2026-06-03
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector
Exemptions
30

Information requested

Copies of all notes and feedback taken from ministerial exit interviews for the current outgoing set of Ministers in 2026.

Response

Please find attached requested document.

Some exemptions have been applied of which are outlined in Annex A.

Annex A

Section 30(b)(ii) – free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation.

Some information has been withheld under Section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation) because disclosure would, or would likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice for the purposes of deliberation. 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 the information as part of an open, transparent, and accountable government. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space for officials to share their views for the purpose of deliberation.

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 Section 30(b)(ii) – free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation. Some information has been withheld under Section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation) because disclosure would, or would likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice for the purposes of deliberation. 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.

Attachments

Similar releases