Request:
In line with freedom of information legislation, I would be grateful if you could comply with the following request.
Please send me the findings of any human rights checks undertaken, in accordance with the Scottish Government publication, Guidance on due diligence: human rights, into organisations involved in successful bids for offshore wind projects under the Scotwind leasing round announced on 17 January.
For reference, this request relates to organisations involved in the 17 proposed projects announced in this release: ScotWind offshore wind leasing delivers major boost to Scotland’s net zero aspirations - News - Crown Estate Scotland
Response:
Crown Estate Scotland required all project partners* to make a declaration providing written, formal assurance that they have not been convicted of unlawful activity in relation to a range of requirements, including corruption, bribery, fraud and human trafficking, within the last five years. This is also consistent with Scottish Government’s procurement regulations. Only those companies that provided such assurances were allowed to proceed in the ScotWind leasing. The ScotWind terms and conditions make clear that CES reserve the right to void any application or agreement if false information is found to have been provided, and CES will not hesitate to take the appropriate action if needed.
*For clarity, project partners are listed here https://www.crownestatescotland.com/resources/documents/scotwind-list-of-successful-project-partners-170122
