FOI/202400433130 · FOI · released
Information pertaining to SQA: Scottish Qualifications Authority: FOI release
Information requested
In your request, you asked for the following information which would fall under FOISA:
What power does the government have over the management and decision making of the SQA? I would like a copy of the minutes of the meeting between the SQA and Jenny Gilruth, 18 September 2024. I would like a copy of my daughter’s exam script.
Response
I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. The reasons why we don't have the information are explained below.
What power does the government have over the management and decision making of the SQA?
As a Non-Departmental Public Body the SQA is generally subject to the strategic direction of the Scottish Ministers but operationally independent. Its management is overseen by its board, whose members are appointed by the Scottish Ministers. These are regulated public appointments subject to the Code of Practice issued by the Ethical Standards Commissioner and are regulated by him. The Scottish Ministers have a power to give directions to the SQA under section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1996.
I would like a copy of the minutes of the meeting between the SQA and Jenny Gilruth, 18 September 2024.
A copy of the minutes of the meeting between the SQA and the Cabinet Secretary on 18 September 2024 is included at Enclosure 1 in Annex A of this letter.
I would like a copy of my daughter’s exam script.
This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.
The Scottish Government does not have the information you have asked for because operational delivery of the National Qualifications rests with the Scottish Qualifications Authority as the awarding body in Scotland.
You may wish to contact SQA directly to ask for this information, although I am aware that they have previously advised you that they are not able to provide this.
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
The Scottish Ministers have a power to give directions to the SQA under section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1996. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.