FOI request (FOIR-556293590)

Learning Management System

Requested Mon 23 October 2023
Responded Fri 27 October 2023

I would like to know more about your Learning and Development/Human Resources systems, specifically used for training staff, whether that be for basic compliance or the upskilling of staff.

1. Do you use a Learning Management System (LMS) within your organisation?

2. If yes, which organisation supplies this product/service to you?

3. Is your LMS supplied on a contract basis?

4. If yes, please confirm when the current contract comes to an end.

5. Do you receive any other services from your LMS supplier> For example, e-Learning content.

6. Do you develop your own in house e-Learning?

7. Who is the key decision-maker for the aforementioned products/services?

8. If possible, please provide their contact details.

Response

NOTICE OF REFUSAL

The information you have requested in respect of our Learning Management System supplier is commercially sensitive and falls under Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act - Commercially Sensitive Information - Information prejudicing commercial interests - commercial interest relating to an organisations commercial activity and may include trading activity procurement and relationships with third parties.

The exemption afforded by Section 43 is subject to what is known as the 'public interest test'. When applying the test in a particular case a public authority is deciding whether the public interest is better served by non-disclosure than by disclosure.

Although the Freedom of Information Act does not define 'in the public interest', there is a presumption under Freedom of Information that openness is in the public interest. In applying the public interest test a public authority will take into account the distinction that has been often made by courts between things that are in the public interest, and things that merely interest the public. Where applicants have not identified public interest considerations succinctly or accurately, the public authority has a responsibility under the Act to make their own assessment of the public interest considerations in the particular case.

We have identified the following public interest factors that may be seen as encouraging the disclosure of information:

a) accountability of public spending

We consider these factors to be of limited relevance in relation to the information in question.

Public interest factors seen as encouraging non-disclosure are, generally, the exemptions themselves. In consideration of this matter we came to the following conclusions:

a) ensuring that companies are able to compete for business fairly

b) damage to reputation and/or financial interests

In weighing the factors for and against disclosure we have concluded that the likely benefit to the applicant and the wider public of disclosure is outweighed by the likely prejudice caused by such disclosure and that therefore the public interest is better served by non-disclosure.

For the reasons given above we will not be communicating to you the information you have requested.

Our system is on a rolling contract which provides regular updated courses and additional courses throughout the year. we also have the facility to create our own e-learning courses.

Please contact Verna Connolly, Head of People and Business Support, email: vconnolly@hastings.gov.uk