FOI/202500474995 · FOI · unclear
Temporary agency staff spend via Procurement Scotland framework: FOI release
Information requested
1. The total spend on temporary agency staff (or contingent labour) by the Scottish Government and its executive agencies via the Procurement Scotland framework, for each of the past 2 financial years (or calendar years if more appropriate).
2. A breakdown of spend by department or agency, if available.
3. The names of the suppliers used and the value of spend with each.
4. Any internal or external audits or reviews of the use of agency staff through the framework.
Response
1. Total spend on Temporary Agency Staff by the Scottish Government can be found on Annex B. This covers each of the past 2 financial years. This includes all spend by Scottish Government core Departments and Executive Agencies against the following framework -Temporary and interim staff services framework agreement – Temporary and interim staff services framework agreements: 2019 to 2023 - gov.scot and Procurement - temporary and interim staff services frameworks 2023 to 2027 - gov.scot
Please note this does not include Social Security Scotland as spend is tracked separately from Scottish Government core.
2. Annex B provides a breakdown of the spend per agency.
The Scottish Government does not have the information you have asked for regarding a breakdown of spend by dept. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.
3. The name of the Suppliers and the value with each is disclosed on a separate tab of Annex B. All this information is in the public domain. Please see links provided within question 1.
4. The Temporary and Interim Staff Services Framework is subject to regular monitoring and review to ensure effective operation, value for money, and compliance with procurement policy. Internally, regular review meetings are held between suppliers appointed to the framework and representatives from the Scottish Government’s Attraction and Resourcing team, who are responsible for operational management of the framework. In addition, suppliers meet quarterly with Scottish Government Procurement representatives to assess the overall effectiveness of the framework, with a focus on fulfilment rates, supplier performance, and value for money.
From an assurance perspective, the use of the framework may be considered as part of wider reviews conducted by the Directorate for Internal Audit and Assurance (DIAA), which carries out independent audits across a range of Scottish Government corporate systems, including procurement and workforce planning processes.
Externally, Audit Scotland is responsible for the external audit of the Scottish Government and its associated bodies. As part of its work, Audit Scotland reviews governance, internal controls, and financial management arrangements, which may encompass aspects of temporary staffing where relevant to the scope of the audit.
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
This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.