external investigating officers

Summary

The request sought historical data on the number of independent external investigating officers available between 2017 and 2021 and their public sector employment history. The Cabinet Office disclosed that it only holds current data, stating there are eight officers in the 2021/22 financial year, seven of whom have had previous public sector roles.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office does not hold historical data for the years 2017 to 2021 regarding the number of external investigating officers.
• A central spreadsheet is used to track officers, but it only reports the current number.
• There are eight external investigating officers (EIOs) in the current Financial Year 2021/22.
• Seven of the eight current EIOs have had a Public Sector role at some stage in their careers.
• None of the current EIOs held a Public Sector role at the same time as being an EIO.

Data Disclosed

• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2021/22
• 10th January 2019
• 7 March 2022
• 30 March 2022
• eight
• seven

Original Request

How many independent external investigating officers were available in the bank referenced by the then OHR executive director in select committee evidence on 10th January 2019 to support the public sector whistleblowing policy in the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 financial years or calendar years and how many (a) have a present public sector role (b) had a previous public sector role?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 2310593 30 March 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 7 March 2022 and which states:

"How many independent external investigating officers were available in the bank referenced by the then OHR executive director in select committee evidence on 10th January 2019 to support the public sector whistleblowing policy in the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 financial years or calendar years and how many (a) have a present public sector role (b) had a previous public sector role?"

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet Office does not hold all the information that you have requested. There is a central spreadsheet which is updated as external investigating officers (EIOs) leave and join the bank and therefore only the current number of EIOs can be reported on. Please note, Public Sector roles has been defined as roles on Government payroll within Departments, Boards and Offices. There are eight EIOs in the current Financial Year 2021/22. Seven of which have had a Public Sector role at some stage in their careers but not at the same time as being an EIO. Please quote the reference number 2310593 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

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dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.