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As with all decisions on the use of public funding the authorisation to meet costs would be cleared at the appropriate level within the organisation.

As Scottish Government functions have increased and matured, the volume and complexity of outsourced work has also evolved. This work is procured and we are now utilising the third iteration of a framework providing Legal Services to the Scottish Government and the wider public sector. The figures provided in the table set out how much the Scottish Government has spent through those frameworks and the breakdown of costs to each legal firm. We do not centrally gather information on the department spend as there is no business requirement to do. We have interpreted the question as legal costs incurred for outsourced legal work.

The information requested is not held centrally by Scottish Government.

Accountable Officers are in place to ensure that public money is used efficiently and effectively in line with guidance published in the (SPFM). The SPFM provides guidance on the proper handling and reporting of public funds.

The Scottish Government has spent the following amount in relation to judicial reviews. We are unable to provide a breakdown by case name due to GDPR considerations. Some case names will be in the public domain because the judgments have been published with the full name. However, some cases have been name anonymised and others will not be in the public domain due to being disposed of without a judgment.

As direct imports into Scotland are a small proportion of food placed on the market in Scotland, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) funded surveillance is undertaken on a risk basis and will include imported food when certain goods, irrespective of origin, are considered a higher risk to consumers (for example smoked fish or raw milk cheeses). Imported food must meet at least the same regulatory standards as domestically produced food and the legislative basis for the import checks that apply is set out in what is known as “the official controls regulation” (OCR). The OCR is in process of being amended to implement the Border Target Operating Model which was published by the UK Government in 2023. Responsibility for enforcement of import controls and food safety standards (other than in certain meat establishments) is the responsibility of local authorities.

The regulatory requirement relating to training is contained in Chapter XII of Annex II of on the hygiene of foodstuffs and is a general requirement that food handlers be supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity. Those responsible for establishing a food safety management system within a food business based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles or for the operation of relevant guides must have received adequate training in the application of those principles. Beyond this there must be compliance with any specific requirements stated in law.

Whilst much of what Food Standards Scotland (FSS) provides falls into the categories of guidance or advice, FSS does provide online training materials in relation to allergens:

FSS also offers tools for fresh produce and safe smoked fish to assist relevant food businesses produce safe food:

Many food businesses make use of our , guidance and templates when planning their HACCP based management systems. Cooksafe is particularly aimed at caterers and provides instructions to develop procedures to fit the business needs.

If asked for direction to training, FSS advice is to contact the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). A section of their website dedicated to training, which can be found here .

As part of its competent authority role Food Standards Scotland (FSS) monitors and enforces regulations in marine waters, slaughterhouses, standalone cutting plants, game handling establishments, feed, and wine business, throughout the length and breadth of Scotland including on the Islands and all remote areas where a business is located.

As part of its assurance role, FSS is required independently to audit delivery of official controls carried out by FSS and take appropriate measures in the light of the results of those audits. The audits shall be subject to independent scrutiny and conducted in a transparent manner.

FSS have a primary responsibility to monitor the performance of, and promote best practice by, enforcement authorities enforcing food legislation in Scotland.

The overarching aim is to provide assurance that the delivery of official controls for food and feed is compliant with Scottish and UK legal requirements and official guidance.

The audit programme is risk-based, and all reports are published.

Our International Development work focuses on three partner countries in Africa. The Scottish Government has not had official or unofficial contact with representatives from Bangladesh in relation to International Development, for either infrastructure or financial projects in Bangladesh. Our International Development overseas investment partner countries are Malawi, Rwanda, and Zambia. More information on our International Development work can be found online at <>

For audiology services provided in hospital settings, information on provision of delivery is held within Boards and not by the Scottish Government.

While the Scottish Government remains committed to its vision for an integrated and community-based hearing service in Scotland, re-phasing of funding has meant that not all the challenges we are facing will be addressed in a single budget.