DR 344: Email to the Committee from Sir Edward Clay

 

When I was told that DSR had been changed, I asked to see a copy of a new standard letter of appointment, revised to take account of the amended DSR 5. I got no response so asked for it under FoI.

 

The attached is the response. The standard letter is altered out of all recognition, for the better. In particular, there is no attempt to bind signers for life to particular rules on public statements. The three elements of paragraph 7 relate only to protecting confidential matters in the proposed role, though, of course, the requirements of the OSA continue indefinitely. For a retired officer, however, that imposes no new obligation.

 

I think this revision does suggest the amendment of DSR 5 was a real and significant change. But the approach of the FCO to their argument with me, their failure to offer any re-interpretation or amendment of the letter back in 2006 when I first questioned it, their slothfulness over amending DSR 5 and their failure to disclose the new standard letter of appointment until they were forced under FoI, suggests a management which never dreamt they might be wrong or might have to justify their stance. When challenged, their response has suggested an institution brittle and defensive in its response to argument. I find it strange that the FCO should beat its breast about its attachment FoI while declining to provide perfectly straightforward, unclassified information in response to my first, simple request without recourse to FoI.

 

I am grateful for the DSA's support over the money question and their sympathetic interest in DSR 5 itself. Getting that amended has been well worthwhile. 

 

 

19 June 2009

 

 

Letter to Sir Edward Clay from Jane Sigsworth, Open Government Liaison Officer, Human Resources Directorate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

 

freedom of information request: 395-09

 

Thank you for your request dated 16 May 2009, under the Freedom of Information Act. You asked that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) should disclose 'a copy of the revised standard letter of appointment which would be presented to retired officers such as you on taking up an appointment like the Chevening job or chairmanship of Wilton Park or another part-time position of this kind.'

 

I can confirm that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office does hold information to answer your request. I'm attaching a copy of the standard terms and conditions of appointment with this letter.

 

In keeping with the spirit and effect of the Freedom of Information Act, all information is assumed to be releasable to the public unless exempt.

 

You may re-use the Crown copyright protected material (not including the Royal Arms and other departmental or agency logos) free of charge in any format for non-commercial research, private study or internal circulation within your organisation. The material must be acknowledged as Crown copyright and you must give the title of the source document/publication.

 

For any other proposed use of the material please apply for a PSA Licence (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/) for core material from the Office of Public Sector Information: Office of Public Sector Information, Information Policy Team, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU.

 

Email: [e-mail]

 

Website: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/about/team-information/information-policy

 

For further information on Crown copyright policy and licensing arrangements, see the guidance featured on the OPSI Website (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/advice/crown-copyright/copyright-guidance/index.htm)

 

If you are unhappy with the way the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has handled your request, you may ask for an internal review. You should contact me within 40 working days at the address above ([e-mail]) if you wish to complain.

 

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the FCO. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner's Office Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF.

 

16 June 2009