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Request date: 3 April 2023
This version was printed or saved on: 27 July 2024
Online version: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/about-us/freedomofinformation/diversity-information
Can I ask how many members in the commission or of ethnic origin compared to the rest of the members.
Thank you for your request which has been processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).
In your email you have requested ‘how many members in the commission or of ethnic origin compared to the rest of the members?’
The Gambling Commission's Annual Report and Accounts includes a section relating to Employment statistics. Section 21 of the FOIA provides that information is exempt where it is reasonably accessible elsewhere; diversity information, including ethnic origin of Commission employees can be found on our website:
Employment statistics for 2021-22 (as at 31 March 2022) (gamblingcommission.gov.uk)
This information is correct as of 31 March 2022.
The Gambling Commission's Annual Report and Accounts are published on a yearly basis, therefore we consider any more up to date information within the scope of your request to be exempt under section 22 of the FOIA.
Section 22(1) of the FOIA (“information that is intended to be published in the future”) provides that information is exempt if:
This is a qualified exemption, therefore, the Commission must consider whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption is greater than the public interest in disclosing the requested information.
It is recognised that there is a legitimate public interest in promoting the accountability and transparency of public authorities and in Government Departments providing information they hold that falls within the scope of a FOI request as quickly as possible.
However, this needs to be balanced with the public interest in the Commission ensuring the maximum time/cost effectiveness; providing this information in response to a FOI request is not the most time/cost effective way of placing this information in the public domain when it will be published in due course on the Commission website.
We are committed to be an open and transparent organisation. As such, the Commission maintains a publication schedule, in line with the requirements of the FOIA disclosure obligations. The Gambling Commission's Annual Report and Accounts are published on a yearly basis, as part of our publication scheme. This proactive publication sets out our commitment to make certain classes of information routinely available.
Having considered the above factors, the Commission is of the view that the balance of the public interest lies in maintaining the exemption. There is no outstanding public interest in releasing this information prior to its intended publication. Given the necessary preparation and administration involved in publishing the information, we consider that our publication timetable is reasonable.
If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your Freedom of Information request you are entitled to an internal review of our decision. You should write to FOI Team, Gambling Commission, 4th floor, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BP or by reply to this email.
Please note, internal review requests should be made within 40 working days of the initial response. Requests made outside this timeframe will not be processed.
If you are not content with the outcome of our review, you may then apply directly to the Information Commissioner (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have already exhausted the review procedure provided by the Gambling Commission.
The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office (opens in a new tab), Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.
Information Management Team
Gambling Commission
Victoria Square House
Victoria Square
Birmingham B2 4BP