Lee Archer
DE&S Sec Pol Sec Ships 1
#2043 Maple 0a
Ministry of Defence
Abbey Wood
Bristol BS34 8JH
Email: [email address]
DE&S/PolSec3/1/12/2
Mr B Hutton
[email address]
Date:
28 May 2010
Dear Mr Hutton
I am writing about the request for information you recently made under the
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requesting copies of emails between
Commodore (Cdre) Ian Jess, Royal Navy, and Common Purpose during the
last 12 months.
My colleague Andrew Parrish previously wrote to you on 6 May 2010 to inform
you that it would be necessary to carry out a Public Interest (PI) Test to
determine whether information that falls within the scope of your request
should be withheld under exemptions of the FOI Act. He also undertook to
write to you again by 20 May 2010 and I would like to apologise that this was
not the case. I am, however, now in a position to provide you with a
substantive response.
Three emails were identified as falling within the scope of your request; these
are:
a. Email 1 – sent from Common Purpose to a number of addressees,
including Cdre Jess, on 9 April 2010 at 16:48. This email contained an
attachment providing details of five applications to join Common
Purpose;
b. Email 3 – sent from Common Purpose to a number of addressees,
including Cdre Jess, on 13 January 2010 at 16:54. This email
contained an attachment of a questionnaire which addressees were
invited to complete and return (Cdre Jess did not do so); and
c. Email 2 – sent from Common Purpose to a number of addressees,
including Cdre Jess, on 12 December 2009 at 12:46. This email
provided an update of recent Common Purpose activity.
The PI Test was carried out to determine whether information contained within
the emails and attachments falls within the scope of qualified exemption
Section 43 (Commercial Interests) of the FOI Act. This work, which included
consultation with Common Purpose, has, however, concluded that no
qualified exemptions apply and that the emails can be released. A copy of
each email is therefore attached at Annex A although I am withholding
personal information relating to individuals named in the emails in accordance
with absolute exemption Section 40 (Personal Information) of the FOI Act.
Releasing this information would contravene the individuals’ rights under the
Data Protection Act 1998 and as Section 40 is an absolute exemption it is not
subject to a PI Test.
I hope this is helpful but if you are not satisfied with this response or you wish
to complain about any aspect of the handling of your request, then you should
contact me in the first instance. If informal resolution is not possible and you
are still dissatisfied then you may apply for an independent internal review by
contacting the Head of Corporate Information, 2nd Floor, MOD Main Building,
Whitehall, SW1A 2HB (e-mail [email address]).
Please note that any request for an internal review must be made within 40
working days of the date on which the attempt to reach informal resolution has
come to an end.
If you remain dissatisfied following an internal review, you may take your
complaint to the Information Commissioner under the provisions of Section 50
of the Freedom of Information Act. Please note that the Information
Commissioner will not investigate your case until the MOD internal review
process has been completed. Further details of the role and powers of the
Information Commissioner can be found on the Commissioner's website,
http://www.ico.gov.uk.
Lee Archer
For Head of Secretariat
Annex A to
DE&S PolSec3/1/12/2
Dated 28 May 2010
Email 1 – Sent from Common Purpose to various individuals, including
Commodore Ian Jess Royal Navy Personal information has been withheld in accordance with Absolute
Exemption Section 40 (Personal Information) of the Freedom of Information
(FOI) Act
From: Sam Stewart [mailto:[email address]]
Sent: 09 April 2010 16:48
To: 'Alex Hanson'; 'Bill Martin'; 'Elaine Budd'; 'Frances Brennan';
'Frances Brennan'; 'Ian Jess'; 'Ian Jess'; 'Jo Tennant'; 'Jo Tennant';
'John Butcher'; 'John Hamblin'; 'Linda Evans'; 'linda Evans'; 'Mervyn
Orchard'; 'Ossie Glover'
Cc: Joanna Muir
Subject: Shared in Confidence - applications for approval
Dear all
I hope you all had a great Easter
I am sending you some initial applications for two of our up and coming
courses which fall within the Devon and budget and delivery
Common Purpose Somerset - senior leaders
I am delighted to tell you that, after a successful first Somerset
programme for senior leaders in 2009, we will be running the course
again in 2010, commencing
26th May. The Somerset 2010 Common
Purpose course for Senior Leaders will take up to 12 leaders in
Somerset from across the private, public and not for profit sectors who
commit to eight days across a five month period and who are invited to
examine their leadership challenges and those across Somerset and
explore what it means to lead beyond authority, investigate their
connections to each other's locations and reflect on what this means in
their local context. For three of the days participants go beyond the
boundaries of their own town or county and work with leaders,
challenges and leadership strategies in Gloucester and the West of
England.
As with all our courses Action Learning Sets remain a strong feature of
the course and the learning.
During this eight day course
The participants will investigate, first hand, local, regional and national
challenges, issues and opportunities. They will visit a range of
organisations - from prisons, housing developments and hospitals to
businesses and manufacturing plants - in order to experience, first
hand, a range of real life leadership challenges, insights and strategies
and find inspiration outside their usual spheres and explore more
deeply what it means to:.
" influence beyond their immediate authority - inside and
outside of their organisation
" operate more effectively outside their familiar structures and
across silos
" work better with people from different disciplines, teams,
organisations, sectors, communities and cultures
We have
five applications in so far from BBC, BT Openreach, British
Red Cross, Pardoes solicitors and Taunton Deane Borough Council. I
have another 3 strong possibilities – police, Business link and a firm of
accountants, the rest is in the lap of the gods!
Action required
1. Please confirm approval
2. Please let me know of anyone you know who might be interested in
the course. I am actively pursuing applications and whilst I know, for
most of you, Somerset is not you area, you may still know of
someone in your wider network.
Alex – I have already emailed you
and Dave regarding the Somerset course – can you let me know if
there is a suitable candidate?
The Somerset course is within the Devon budget to strengthen the
overall Devon finances and I deliver the course. Its much like Matrix but
shorter and cheaper!
Common Purpose International Navigator South West- early
career leaders
Again this exciting course is within my budget and responsibility. We
run this course each year but the format has changed this year to a
more modular and international focus.
Commencing
8th June, we will be running Common Purpose
International Navigator in the South West for a group of 30 'rising stars'
across the region.
Common Purpose International Navigator is a powerful learning
experience that brings together high-potential, early-career individuals
from different backgrounds and sectors, on a local, regional, national
and international basis.
Over a 4 month period, participants come together in larger regional
and national groups on 3 compulsory core days to explore the
leadership themes of power, courage and resonance. In between, they
will work together in smaller local or regional groups choosing from
different leaning modules and learning sets. Over the same time period
the course will run simultaneously in other parts in the UK, South Africa
and Germany giving the opportunity for groups and individuals to be
connected across national and international boundaries.
Course structure:
" Foundation four months - a minimum of 44 hours
" Three core days (15th June, 21st September & 14th October
2010)
" Flexible modules attended in your local area or across the
South West providing opportunities to connect locally or regionally,
nationally and internationally.
Why International Navigator?
Tomorrow's senior leaders, more than any other generation will need
the confidence and determination to be a different type of leader and to
lead with a global perspective. Common Purpose International
Navigator is a powerful learning experience that brings together high
potential, early career individuals from widely differing backgrounds.
Benefits
" Learning from leaders in different settings and geography to
your own is integral to what makes this course unique. Participants will
connect with others who they would otherwise probably never meet.
" Participants will be inspired as a leader through 'behind the
scenes' visits to investigate change in action, and the leaders
responsible
" Organisations benefit from high potential, early career
individuals who are able to understand the international context of
global leadership and see themselves as leaders - and responsibly act
as leaders in their organisation and beyond
Action required
1) I have attached an information pack for this year's course for those
of you who would like to nominate a member of your team or talk to
me about it further.
2) We have two applications in from the same organisation – a charity
called Attik Dance. In view of the modular and South West nature
of the course, two people from the same organisation will work fine
as they will attend different modules. Please confirm acceptance.
Remember the level of responsibility is of a more junior nature in
terms of leadership
I will assume no news from you by cob Thursday 15th = agreement to
the applications
I will keep you advised how the groups are shaping up –
its tough but
not impossible!! I understand budgets are tight and I am happy to
discuss fee level rather than lose the participation of an appropriate
individual at a time when collaborative leadership and breaking down
silos within organisations and society is so key to how organisations
and towns and cities succeed.
Have good and sunny weekends
Kind regards
Sam
Samantha Stewart Regional Director Common Purpose
c/o Bond Pearce
6th Floor, Ballard House
West Hoe Road
Plymouth
PL13AE
T: +44 (0)1752 677766
M: +44 (0)7958 563170
Skype: cpuk-sams
www.commonpurpose.org.uk
Attachment to Email 1. In total five versions of this document, each one completed by a different applicant to Common Purpose,
were attached to the email. As the document contains personal information provided by the individual applicants, this has been
withheld in accordance with Absolute Exemption Section 40 (Personal Information) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Common Purpose International Navigator South West
Applications 2010
Applicant
Role
Organisation
Sector
Business Type
Office location
Sally Robbins
Artistic Director
Attik Dance
NFP
Arts
Plymouth
Role & Responsibilities
As artistic director of Attik Dance I line manage the community practitioners and graduate apprentice roles within the
organisation. I am responsible along with the general manager for reporting to the board of directors and our core funders. One of
my key roles is to create or identify projects for the company to deliver which both compliment Attik’s core values and make a
wider contribution to the areas strategic aims and long term initiatives. In order to implement these projects I work closely with
the relevant partners and Attik's general manager to ensure there are strong outcomes for the project and that the relationships
forged last beyond the initial contact. I work alongside the general manager to form our business plan and look at our delivery
output as well as our core delivery team to ensure this is achievable and monitor the progress of this and make any decisions
which may help develop an area of the business plan or improve where we are struggling to reach targets. In all of my
responsibilities my key aim is to hold the artistic vision for the company.
Leadership Challenges
We have recently been given additional Arts Council funding to look at capacity building and sustainability and I have begun to
see the leadership skills required to manage such a change especially where staff are concerned. As Attik begin to be involved
with commissions from a wider cross section of partners I can see the need for a greater awareness of city and national agendas
and strategies something which I have just a small grasp of. I feel that in this uncertain environment the challenges will unfold
rapidly.
Reasons for applying
As someone who has been absorbed in the arts and education worlds throughout my career I have little knowledge of other
sectors roles and I feel the chance to expand on my knowledge with such a wide range of perspectives would accelerate my
learning dramatically. In order to move both Attik dance and my own career forward I think it's important to strengthen my
leadership abilities. The people I have seen come through this course in previous years seem to have a clear and focused way of
thinking which allows them to stay open to new ways of working and new opportunities.
Contribution to group
Working in the arts and being a creative practitioner means that I sometimes find ways of addressing issues or answering
questions which may open up dialogue with new partners and provide understanding for those who learn in a more kinaesthetic
way. I also feel that I work well in a group setting and am able to motivate others and use language which I hope can make an idea
accessible to a wide audience.
Email 2 – Sent from Common Purpose to various individuals, including
Cdre Ian Jess Royal Navy
Personal information has been withheld in accordance with Absolute
Exemption Section 40 (Personal Information) of the Freedom of Information
(FOI) Act
From: Sam Stewart [mailto:[email address]]
To: 'Alex Hanson'; 'Bill Martin'; 'Elaine Budd'; 'Frances Brennan';
'Frances Brennan'; 'Ian Jess'; 'Ian Jess'; 'Jo Tennant'; 'Jo Tennant';
'John Butcher'; 'John Hamblin'; 'Linda Evans'; 'linda Evans'; 'Mervyn
Orchard'; 'Ossie Glover'
Sent: 21 December 2009 12:46
Subject: Common Purpose update – Information Shared in
Confidence
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Please note this document is intended for Advisory Group use only and
is not for wider distribution. It may contain commercially sensitive or
personal information.
Dear All
I am delighted to tell you that we have just launched a new Common
Purpose UK website.
The website is designed to be easier to navigate and easier to
understand. We have tested it extensively on a range of staff and
external contacts. We would be delighted to receive any feedback you
may have – please have a good look around.
You will notice that there are some new sections, highlighting the
comprehensive range of work that we do. There are new sections on -
amongst others - Leading Beyond Authority, our course methods,
personnel, application process, the history of common purpose and our
charitable status. We have a course finder wizard to help people
decide which course suits them best. We have also added a section in
on the role of the advisory groups;
http://www.commonpurpose.org.uk/courses/application-process, and
have taken the decision to list the names of each advisory group on the
website also. Please note this is
names only and no other details such
as organisation or job title.
I would also take this opportunity to bring to your attention some of our
national courses for which we are inviting applications;
20:20 is for senior leaders from all sectors who currently have, or who
are taking on roles with, a national or international remit. It’s a
demanding and highly participatory residential five day course, held
once a year. 20:20 has two central themes; wealth creation and
governance, which are explored in the context of increasing
globalisation. Through briefings from top business people, media, lobby
groups, politicians, civil servants, economists and scientists, the
participant group assesses key economic, political, technological and
social trends. In parallel, they meet leaders who are constantly dealing
with situations that they cannot fully control stakeholders who are going
in different directions, partners and systems they do not understand
and timescales - far shorter or far longer - that they would like.
The next course takes place from 19-23 April 2010.
Interested? Please contact [email address] or
complete the online application form:
http://www.commonpurpose.org.uk/courses/late-career/2020 Not for
you? You might know someone in your organisation for which this
would be suitable.
Making a transition at the end of your career with What Next?
What Next?
is a Common Purpose course for people in leadership
positions who are ready to put their energy and experience to work in
society and need practical help with the first steps. It’s an excellent
transition from one phase of a career to the next, in the company of a
peer group facing a similar challenge.
What Next? is a joint initiative combining Oxford Said Business
School's reputation for academic rigour with the Common Purpose
approach to experiential learning and challenging insight. The
residential course is complemented by a follow-up day in Autumn 2010.
Further information about the course and an application form can be
found at http://www.commonpurpose.org.uk/courses/late-career/what-
next
The next course takes place from 15
-18 March 2010 I hope that you have a very good break over the festive period. Thank
you for your continued support of Common Purpose this year. I look
forward to meeting with you or speaking to you during 2010.
Best wishes
Caroline
Caroline Duckworth Managing Director Common Purpose
Discovery House
28-42 Banner Street
London EC1Y 8QE
T: +44 (0)20 7608 8133
F: +44 (0)20 7336 6844
M: 07967 363 323
www.commonpurpose.org.uk
Email 3 – Sent from Common Purpose to various individuals, including
Cdre Ian Jess Royal Navy Personal information has been withheld in accordance with Absolute
Exemption Section 40 (Personal Information) of the Freedom of Information
(FOI) Act
From: Sam Stewart [mailto:[email address]]
To: 'Alex Hanson'; 'Bill Martin'; 'Elaine Budd'; 'Frances Brennan';
'Frances Brennan'; 'Ian Jess'; 'Ian Jess'; 'Jo Tennant'; 'Jo Tennant';
'John Butcher'; 'John Hamblin'; 'Linda Evans'; 'linda Evans'; 'Mervyn
Orchard'; 'Ossie Glover'
Cc: Joanna Muir
Sent: 13 January 2010 16:54
Subject: Common Purpose – Information Shared in Confidence
Please note this document is intended for Advisory Group use only and
is not for wider distribution. It may contain commercially sensitive or
personal information.
Dear All
Each year Common Purpose holds a training day for all our
Programme Directors and Programme Managers. The training day is
part of our commitment to continued personal development and up
skilling of our staff. As part of our preparation we are asking each of
our Advisory Groups to fill out a short questionnaire - it is only 8
questions over 2 pages. The responses are anonymous and we are not
intending to use the information directly with individual programme
teams. We wish to use the data to help us shape this event as well as
giving us a steer for other areas of the organisation where we should
be focussing our efforts. It would help us enormously if you could fill out
the attached questionnaire.
If you could get your responses back to me by
Friday 29 January, it
would be really appreciated.
With thanks & Best wishes
Caroline
Caroline Duckworth Managing Director Common Purpose
Discovery House
28-42 Banner Street
London EC1Y 8QE
T: +44 (0)20 7608 8133
F: +44 (0)20 7336 6844
M: 07967 363 323
[email address]
www.commonpurpose.org.uk
Attachment to Email 3. A questionnaire was sent as an attachment to Email 3. It should
be noted that Cdre Jess did not subsequently complete and return it to Common purpose
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this short questionnaire. It is only 12
questions long and designed to be quick and easy to complete. We are, of course,
delighted if you have more feedback that you have time to give us. We are
committed at Common Purpose to continuing to improve the service we offer to our
customers and getting honest feedback is very important to us. Your contribution to
this process will remain anonymous unless you request otherwise. Best wishes for
2010.
1.
Common Propose staff understand my sector (choose 1):
• Comprehensively
• Adequately
• Inadequately
• Not at all
Questions 2 – 5: Please rate the following statements on a scale of 1 to 6, where 1
indicates strong agreement with the statement and 6 indicates strong disagreement
with the statement.
2.
Common Purpose staff are confident when faced with the challenges of my
sector:
1 2 3 4 5 6
3.
Common Purpose staff are well informed regarding the needs of my sector:
1 2 3 4 5 6
4.
The content of Common Purpose courses in my area meets the needs of my
sector:
1 2 3 4 5 6
5.
In meetings Common Purpose staff are:
• Appropriately dressed
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Clearly
spoken
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Well-prepared
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Well-informed
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Polite
and
courteous
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Efficient and responsive
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Confident and create a strong first impression
1
2
3
4
5
6
• Focused on the needs of my sector/org
1
2
3
4
5
6
Please use the space to provide additional comments about question
5
-
_____________________________________________________________
-
_____________________________________________________________
6.
Common Purpose staff are knowledgeable about my sector:
• Yes
• No
• Don’t
know
• Other (please use the space below to explain your answer)
7.
Common Purpose marketing materials are written in a way that is appealing
and informative.
• Yes
• No
• Other
(please
explain)
____________________________________
8.
Please use the space below if you would like to provide any additional
information regarding your answers above, or if you have any additional feedback.
_____________________________________________________________
__
_____________________________________________________________
__
To understand trends we would appreciate understanding a little more about you.
I am:
• Male
• Female
Please indicate which sector you work in:
• Private
• Public
• Third
Please indicate the city or region you work in: _____________________________
Which of these titles best describes your position:
• Senior
manager
• Manager
• Director
• CEO
• Coordinator/Assistant
Thankyou
