Dear Ministry of Education,

I refer to OIA 1354239, refused under s 18(e), stating: “No briefings, aides-memoire or advice from the Ministry were provided to Ministers” regarding the procurement/engagement of Janison for the SMART tool.

In light of public statements by Janison that work commenced via a bridging contract in July 2025, please provide:

Confirmation of the exact interpretation the Ministry applied to the terms “briefings”, “aide memoires”, and “advice” for the purpose of OIA 1354239 (e.g., whether it excluded emails, oral briefings, ministerial office notes, briefings to associate ministers, or briefings through delegated channels).

A description of the searches undertaken to support the s 18(e) refusal, including:

which business groups/teams were asked to search;

which record systems were searched (e.g., email, SharePoint, TRIM/EDRMS, ministerial correspondence systems);

the date ranges searched; and

the search terms used.

Copies of any records held by the Ministry that reference briefing or advising Ministers (or Ministers’ offices) about:

the July 2025 bridging/interim contract (or early works/mobilisation arrangement) with Janison; and/or

the decision to proceed with Janison as preferred supplier for SMART.

If any part of this request is refused on substantial collation grounds, please provide a schedule/index of documents in scope (title, date, author, brief description) so I can refine.

Yours faithfully,

Phillip Fry