Thank you for your e-mail received on 24 February 2017 asking for information about Role play materials used in recruitment.

Although you have not provided us with your full name as requested, we have considered your request under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.

I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. However, we are not obliged to provide you with the material and role play scenarios as this is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2). In this instance the section 43(2) exemption has been applied as disclosure would prejudice our commercial interests in the recruitment of paid labour. The materials are still in use, and may continue to be used for the next few years. Releasing this information could give candidates an unfair advantage and  hinder TfL’s ability to obtain the best person for a role during recruitment.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest ensuring we are able to employ the best candidates for any roles, outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London