FI16573

Request

Request for Information: I request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (or the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002) regarding recruitment agency usage for communications roles. 

Definition of Scope: For the purposes of this request, "communications" refers to the general department or function that encompasses: 

Internal or external communications functions; 

The press office or media relations; 

Social media management; 

Marketing functions (where these sit within the communications structure). 

Please provide the following data: 

1. 2025/26 Actuals and Outturn Forecast 

1a. Provide the total number of days a temporary worker was employed via an agency for the communications roles defined above from 6 April 2025 to the date of this request. 

1b. Provide the council’s current projected year-end outturn for the total number of agency days for these roles for the full 2025/26 financial year (ending 31 March 2026). 

1c. Provide a breakdown of these days (actual and forecast) by job grade or title (e.g., Communications Officer, Senior Communications Officer, Communications Manager). 

2. 2026/27 Planned Requirements 

2a. Provide the total number of days currently budgeted or forecasted for agency-provided communications staff for the 2026/27 financial year. 

2b. Provide a breakdown of this requirement by job grade or title. 

2c. Financial Qualifier: Note that I am requesting the currently held financial forecasts and draft budget allocations for 2026/27 as they exist at the time of this request. If these forecasts do not yet segment requirements by specific job title, please provide the department's overall forecasted budget or total "headcount days" for temporary agency workers within the communications function. 

Public Interest and Statutory Compliance: This information is requested to ensure transparency regarding the use of public funds and to assist in confirming the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of council staffing structures. There is a clear and compelling public interest in the disclosure of how local authorities manage their workforce budgets and their reliance on third-party agencies. 

Requirement for Third-Party Data If this information is held on your behalf by a third-party recruitment partner or Managed Service Provider (MSP), please note that under Section 3(2)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, this information is deemed to be held by the public authority. I respectfully request you immediately retrieve this data from your provider to fulfill this request without delay.

Response

1 (a) Zero

(b) Zero

(c) Not applicable

2. The Council does not hold this information.