In the second appeal, the appellant alleged that a senior civil servant tried to influence the release of information requested under the Freedom of Information Act; that the senior civil servant concerned contracted to the department consultants with whom he had a personal acquaintance; and that he did not provide Ministers with objective advice, taking into account expert and professional advice. After careful consideration, the Commissioners concluded that there had been no breach of the Code. However, as a result of the appellant raising the allegation of improper procurement of consultants, the department concerned carried out an investigation and identified that the procurement arrangements were not appropriate. The department therefore took steps to remedy the situation and to ensure that it would not occur again.
