FOI/202400437283 · FOI · partially withheld
Development and introduction of Coding Framework: FOI release
Information requested
In relation to the Coding Framework, published on 16 October 2024, as part of the Chief Statistician's guidance on 'Sex, gender identity, trans status - data collection and publication':
1. Please provide all information about the development and introduction of the Coding Framework. This is to include copies of all correspondence (internal and external), notes, minutes, and any other information.
2. Please advise if the Scottish Government has notified any public bodies of the new coding framework, and if so, which ones.
3. Please state who approved the coding framework, and on what date.
Response
Question 1
I enclose a copy of the information you requested in Annex 1.
An exemption under section 38(1)(b) (Personal information) of FOISA applies to names or personal data that might identify individuals.
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.
An exemption under section 30(c) (Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to some of the information in Annex 1.
This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. In this case the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
Question 2
The Scottish Government notified several public bodies about the coding framework through the correspondence in Email Chain 8 in Annex 1 .
I enclose a copy of the information you requested in Annex 2.
Question 3
The guidance was developed independently by statisticians and agreed by the Chief Statistician on 15 October 2024, as seen in the correspondence in Email Chain 6.
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
An exemption under section 38(1)(b) (Personal information) of FOISA applies to names or personal data that might identify individuals. 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. An exemption under section 30(c) (Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to some of the information in Annex 1. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. In this case the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.