GUIDANCE ON PREPARATION OF

MEMORANDA FOR CABINET

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
(REVISED OCTOBER 2005)

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

PREPARATION OF MEMORANDA FOR CABINET

CONTENTS
Page(s)

Paragraph(s)

Introduction

1-3

3-4

Guidelines
Style
Freedom of Information and Cabinet papers
Submitting Papers
Consultation
Pre-digest of Cabinet papers
Timing

4
5-11
12-14
15
16
17-18
19

5-7

Policy Proofing

20-24

8-11

Structure and Content

Standard Structure
Purpose
Timing
Background
Discussion
Financial Implications
Parliament
Presentation
Consultation
Conclusion

25-26

12-13

Format
Headers and Footers
Section Headings
Paragraph Numbering
Justification
Conclusion
The Signature
Annexes

46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53-57

14-18

Annex A: Cabinet Pre -digest

Appendix I: Shell for pre-digest minute

1-13

27
28-29
30
31-34
35-37
38
39-40
41
42-45

OPS Cabinet Secretariat

October 2005

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

INTRODUCTION
1.
This guidance note is designed to help you write a memoranda (paper) for Cabinet. If
there is any aspect of writing a Cabinet paper on the process of bringing a paper to Cabinet
which you are not sure about, please call your Departmental contact in Cabinet Secretariat.
2.
Before writing a Cabinet paper, you may also find it useful to look at the Guide to
Collective Decision-Making, which explains the principles and procedures which govern
Cabinet.
3.
Suggestions on how we can improve this guidance note are always welcome
particularly any relating to gaps, ambiguities or possible simplifications. Please contact
Morag MacLeod (Tel: 0131 244 6933) in Cabinet Secretariat with any suggestions you have.

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

GUIDELINES
4.
Before you begin writing you should be clear about what you are seeking from the
Cabinet.
Style
5.
Keep papers as short as possible. They should not normally exceed 4 pages (plus any
necessary supporting annexes). Use sub- headings where possible and bullet points where
appropriate.
6.

Focus on strategy and policy, referring to operational detail only where necessary.

7.
Use plain language set out the facts starkly and express views clearly. Avoid jargon
and acronyms (unless the acronym is very well known or is spelt out in full where it is first
used).
8.

Follow the guidance on structure and content (see page 8).

9.
Where appropriate, put detailed analysis and argument into annexes. Papers should
include the key information Ministers need to know to reach a decision, lengthy background
notes should be attached as annexes for Ministers to refer to as and when necessary.
10.

Use the relevant template 2CABINET MEMORANDUM

11.
References to previous Cabinet papers or discussions should quote the numbers of the
relevant papers/minutes. The Cabinet Secretariat can provide confirmation of the numbers, if
required.
Freedom of Information and Cabinet Papers
12.
With effect from 1 January 2005, the Freedom of Information (Scotland)Act 2002
(FOI) will require the Scottish Executive to make available, on request, any information
which is not already included in its publication scheme, or which is not considered to be
exempt from release under the Act.
13.
Material which is exempt from disclosure includes internal advice to Ministers/the
workings of Cabinet. However it is most likely that there will be requests for factual
information on which Cabinet decisions have been based. To allow easy and prompt release
of appropriate material, minutes to Cabinet should clearly distinguish between matters which
may be released on request (such as the data upon which decisions have been made, and the
analysis which has been carried out on that data) and those which are considered to be
exempt from release (such as advice to Cabinet, or to individual Ministers, matters pertaining
to staff, or to confidential information).
14.
The template, 2CABINET MEMORANDUM, provides a guide to the preparation of
minutes to Cabinet, taking account of the need for the separation of information which may
be released from that may be exempt under FOI.

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

Submitting Papers
15.
Wherever possible, papers should be sent to the Cabinet Secretariat by e- mail with
the paper and any supporting annexes being sent as one document.
Consultation
16.
As a draft paper is developed, you should consult colleagues and ensure that they are
content with the advice being put forward before the paper is submitted. No paper should
come as a surprise to a Department. You should consult the following areas:
Colleagues in other Departments/Divisions if the issue touches on their interests;
Officials in the UK Government or in the other devolved administrations if the
issue is one on which consultation is required under the terms of a concordat or is
otherwise an issue which impinges significantly on their interests;
Media and Communications on the presentational implications of policy proposals
or on anything which involves a possible announcement or which is otherwise
likely to arouse media interest; and
Finance Group where there are financial implications.
Pre-digest clearance of Cabinet papers
17.
Any paper coming to Cabinet needs to be cleared by all Ministers with a key portfolio
interest, this is known as pre-digest. Ministers should be given at least 7 working days to
comment on the draft Cabinet paper and all pre-digest Ministers need to indicate they are
content. Once the pre-digest process is completed, then the paper is sent 2 Fridays before
the Cabinet meeting in question to the Deputy First Minister and the First Minister for
final clearance before it can be issued to the Cabinet for consideration before the meeting.
18.

For further advice on pre-digest, please see the guidance attached at Annex A.

Timing
19.
It is important that Ministers have sufficient time to read and digest papers before the
Cabinet discussion. Any paper coming to Cabinet, therefore, needs to have been through predigest, cleared by the Deputy First Minister and First Minister and be with Cabinet
Secretariat no later than midday two Fridays before the Cabinet meeting the following
Wednesday.

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

POLICY PROOFING
20.
This note highlights some of the issues which may need to be considered or addressed
when preparing a paper for Cabinet on an issue which is For Decision. It is not intended to
provide a comprehensive list of such issues.
21.

Where appropriate, papers should:

(a)
Confirm that any proposed legislative or executive action falls within the
competence of the Scottish Executive;
(b)
Explain the objectives of the proposals and how these fit in with, or impact on,
the Executives overall objectives and, in particular, the key objective of growing the
economy (including identifying the specific objectives to which the proposals will
contribute);
(c)

Outline the other options considered;

(d)
Outline the criteria for success, the arrangements for monitoring and
evaluation and the arrangements for adjustment or termination if the proposals fail to
achieve the objectives specified;
22.

Where necessary, papers should be cleared by:

(a)
Finance officials on any proposals which might have financial implications
(see pages 7 & 9 );

23.

(b)

Solicitors Office on anything with legal implications; and

(c)

Legal and Parliamentary Services for legislative implications.

Where relevant, papers should also:

Explain or outline..

Taking account of

The financial implications of the Advice from Finance (See paragraph 24 below
proposals including how any additional and paragraphs 35 to 37 of page 9)
costs would be met (e.g. by offsetting
savings).
Whether implementation of the proposals Advice from Solicitors Office
would require primary or secondary
legislation.
The legal implications of the proposals, Advice from Solicitors Office and/or
especially if there is a significant risk of consultation with the Law Officers (See Annex
legal challenge.
B of the Guide to Collective Decision Making)

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

Explain or outline..

Taking account of

The impact on business, charities and The results of the Regulatory Appraisal
voluntary organisations of any proposals prepared in accordance with the guidance set
involving new or amended regulations. out in General Notice 37/1998.
(A copy of the Regulatory Appraisal
should be attached to the memorandum as
an Annex.) (Where EC requirements are
being implemented, confirmation should
be provided that the European Law
checklist has been followed.)
Any change in the responsibilities of, or Consultation with Public Service Reform
financial burdens on, local government.
Group.
Any implications for European Union, Advice from Solicitors Office, External
European Convention on Human Rights Relations
Division,
the
Foreign
and
or other international obligations .
Commonwealth Office and the Cabinet Office,
as appropriate.
Any implications for reserved matters or Consultation with the relevant Department(s)
for other matters for which a Whitehall (under the terms of the relevant concordat,
Department or the National Assembly of where appropriate).
Wales or the Northern Ireland Executive
is responsible.
The steps taken to ensure that the Advice from the Sustainable Development
proposals embody the principles of Directorate.
sustainable development.
The results of any policy appraisal for
equal opportunities carried out in
relation to the proposals together with,
where relevant, details of the adjustments
made to the proposals so as to eliminate
discrimination or to build in positive
action.

The guidance on policy appraisal for equal

treatment (available in the Reference section
on the Intranet) and consultation with the
Equality Unit.

The extent to which policy development

or presentation is dependent on
underpinning scientific research and
analysis, any related sensitivities, and
whether there has been any significant
departure from the guidance on the use of
scientific advice in policy making.

The Chief Scientific Advisers guidance on the

use of scientific advice in policy making
(available in the Reference section on the
Intranet).

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

Explain or outline..

Taking account of

How policy proposals impact on the Advice from Economists in the relevant
Executives top priority of growing the Departmental Analytical Services Division(s)
Scottish economy.
or the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser.
Where relevant or required this should include
Pre-expenditure assessments of the economic
and social impact of policy proposals.
The impact the policy recommendations Advice from the
will have on advancing efficient Delivery Group.
government and whether the proposal
will improve the delivery of services.
As regards to major projects or
procurements, (i.e. capital projects with
a budget of over 5 million and that are
high risk or mission critical), the clear
business need and details of the project
plan and risk assessment.

Efficient

Government

The Executive's Gateway Review process in

general and specifically, the recommendations
from any Gateway Reviews carried out on the
project. The Executive's Centre of Expertise
provides advice on project management,
Gateway Review and other forms of project
support.

24.
Finance officials must be consulted about any proposals which have financial
implications - unless the financial implications are restricted to expenditure which falls
wholly within the scope of an existing delegated authority and the proposals raise no financial
issue of any other kind. In this context it should be noted that the financial implications of a
proposal may go wider than cost. They may also include process issues for example,
selection of a more expensive option, delegation of spending power, choice between grant or
loan, use of staged payments, provisions for clawback, use of receipts from asset sales, and so
on. Where Finance officials have been consulted, references in the paper to the financial
implications of the proposals must be cleared with them.

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

25.
The standard structure outlined below is intended to be helpful to both Ministers and
officials and not to be unduly prescriptive. There will be cases where the main body of a
paper (i.e. what appears between the Purpose and the Conclusion sections) might usefully
be structured in a different way, using different sub-headings and officials should not feel
constrained to stick to the standard format in such cases. The priority should be to
structure the paper in whatever way best meets the overriding objective of telling
Ministers what they need to know clearly and concisely.
26.
There are, however, some minimum requirements which must be met in all cases. In
particular, papers should always begin with a section on purpose and end with a
conclusion/recommendation. Whilst the 2 sections should not necessarily mirror each other
exactly, they should reflect each other closely, i.e. both should set out what Ministers are
being asked to comment on/agree.
Standard Structure
Purpose
27.
This section should set out the purpose of the paper. In the case of papers which are
For Decision, this section should include a clear statement of the issue and of the decisions
sought. In the case of papers which are For Information, it should explain what information
is being provided, and why.
Timing
28.
Any timing constraints associated with the issue dealt with in the paper should be
spelt out in this section e.g.
The Executives views will need to be communicated to the Minister for Agriculture
by 10 July if they are to influence the development of the UKs negotiating position
in the Agriculture Council.
or
If the report is to be published on 20 May, the text will need to be finalised by noon
on Tuesday, 10 May.
29.

If there are no particular timing constraints, this section should be omitted.

Background Factual Information and Analysis

30.
This section should contain sufficient factual background information and analysis to
set the issue in context. It should be brief and relevant and should take account of how much
Ministers already know. If they already have a broad understanding of the issue, they may
simply need to be reminded of the key facts. Extensive background information should be
avoided, but if necessary can be attached as an annex to the main paper which Ministers can
refer to if they so wish. The presumption should be that this background information will
be suitable for publication, or release, under FOI.

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

Advice to Ministers
31.
The information set out here will form an integral part of the advice to Ministers, and
therefore be exempt from release under FOI. Under this section you should:
(a)

Explain the issue, building on the background but without repeating it;

(b)
Outline the main considerations which Ministers will need to take into account
in reaching a decision;
(c)
Spell out the possible options and the pros and cons of each one. (If there are
any unresolved differences of view between Ministers from the pre-digest process,
they should be outlined here); and
(d)
Outline a recommended course of action or the decisions which the Cabinet
needs to make, building on (a), (b) and (c) above.
32.
This section should also contain appropriate information on the issues detailed in the
guidance on policy proofing.
33.
As indicated above, any detailed factual information or analysis should be put into an
annex wherever possible.
34.
If the paper refers to advice from the Law Officers the advice may be summarised
here but, if this is done, the complete text of the advice must be attached as an annex.
Financial Implications
35.
Where the matter dealt with in the paper has financial implications, this section
should:
(a)
Set out the cost, split into capital and current, and explain in each case the
duration and phasing of the expenditure;
(b)
Indicate whether each element could be accommodated within existing
budgets for the current year and provisional budgets for future years, and, if they
could, at what cost in other services. (This assessment should take account of all
known demands on the budget.); and
(c)
Where the proposals involve new expenditure, outline the arrangements for
evaluating the effectiveness of the new measures after an appropriate period.
36.
Unless the financial implications are restricted to expenditure which falls wholly
within an existing delegated authority and the proposals raise no financial issue of any other
kind, the content of this section should be discussed and agreed with Finance officials.
37.
Where the matter dealt with in the paper has significant financial implications, the
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform should be consulted before the paper is put
to Cabinet and preferably before the paper issues in pre-digest.

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

(Revised: October 2005)

Parliament
38.
Where appropriate, this section should indicate the likely role and interest of the
Parliament in the issue dealt with in the paper. It will often be helpful to consult the Minister
for Parliamentary Business office on the content of this section.
Presentation
39.
This section should deal with the presentational aspects of the issue dealt with in the
paper. In particular, it should contain appropriate advice on the timing, format and content of
any public announcement, on other opportunities for positive publicity, on likely points of
controversy and on tactics for handling any negative reaction or publicity related to such
points. Where possible it should identify the message which Ministers could communicate
and indicate how this could contribute to wider communication strategies. If it is intended to
make a public announcement, the proposed timing should be cleared with the News Planning
Team in International and Communications Group and be indicated in the paper. Where there
is a media handling plan, statement or Inspired PQ answer available, you might consider
attaching this as an Annex.
40.
The content of this section should be discussed and agreed with International and
Communications Group.
Consultation
41.
In most cases it is helpful to record briefly what consultation has been undertaken
with other Ministers (including the Law Officers), Solicitors Office, the UK Government,
other devolved administrations and external interests to indicate whether those consulted are
content with the course of action proposed.
Conclusion
42.
Where the issue dealt with in a paper is For Decision, this section should include a
precise statement of all the decisions sought and/or give a firm recommendation on the course
of action to be followed. The section should be self-contained (as far as possible) but without
repeating all the detail set out in the main body of the paper. Where it refers back to
discussion, conclusions or recommendations etc. set out in earlier sections of the paper, the
relevant paragraph numbers should be quoted, for ease of reference.
43.
Wherever possible (and relevant), the decisions sought should be set out point by
point eg
12.

The Cabinet is invited to:(a)

Note that Humpty Dumpty has had a great fall (paragraph 3);

(b)
Agree that a detachment of the Kings Horses and Men should be
despatched immediately to the scene (paragraph 4); and

Guidance Memoranda for Cabinet

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(Revised: October 2005)

(c)
Agree the above line s to take for use by Press Nursery Rhymes in
dealing with media enquiries (paragraph 11).
44.
Where the issue dealt with in a paper is For Information only, the Conclusion
section should provide a clear, succinct distillation of the key facts and conclusions. It should
be self-contained (as far as possible) but without repeating all the detail set out in the main
body of the paper. If appropriate, it should invite the Cabinet to note or comment on the
information provided.
45.

The whole of the Conclusion section should be typed in bold type .

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(Revised: October 2005)

FORMAT
46.

You should use the relevant template 2CABINET MEMORANDUM:

Headers and Footers

47.
Protective markings and page numbers should be centred and in font size 12. The
protective marking should appear in both the header and footer and should be typed in block
capitals and bold type (eg: RESTRICTED). The page number should appear above the
protective marking in the footer.
Section Headings
48.
Section headings within the paper should be typed in initial capitals and bold type
eg Purpose. Sub-headings within sections or paragraphs should be typed in initial capitals,
bold type and italics eg Option C.
Paragraph Numbering
49.
Paragraphs should be numbered using the Alt 1 function, please do not manually type
in each paragraph number as this can create difficulties when editing the paper.
Justification
50.

Text should be fully justified.

Conclusion
The Signature
51.
The paper should conclude with the initials of the Minister(s) in whose name it is
being submitted. It should also be dated. The initials should be centred and typed in bold
type. The date should be typed immediately under the initials in ordinary type, e.g.:
MCu
1 August 2005
Annexes
52.
If the paper includes annexes etc., they should be identified by letter, e.g. Annex A,
Annex B etc. This identification should be typed in the header area on each page of the
annex. It should be typed in 12 point type in block capitals and bold and should be right
justified. Please note that the first reference to an annex in the main body of the paper should
be in bold, e.g. for further information on accident rates involving nursery rhyme characters,
please see the statistics attached at Annex A.

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(Revised: October 2005)

53.
The first line in the main heading in each annex should repeat the title of the paper;
the second line should reflect the content of that particular annex, e.g.

ANNEX A
EDUCATION BILL
PROPOSED CONTENT

and

ANNEX B
EDUCATION BILL
OUTLINE TIMETABLE

Etc.
54.
The headings should be left-justified and typed in block capitals and bold type.
There should be 2 carriage returns between each line in the title.
55.
Each annex should conclude with a note of the name of the originating Division and
the date, e.g.
Cabinet Secretariat
August 2005
56.

This should be left justified and typed in initial capitals and ordinary type.

57.
Wherever possible, the paper and any supporting annex should be submitted as one
document.

OPS: Cabinet Secretariat

October 2005

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(Revised: October 2005)

ANNEX A
GUIDANCE ON PREPARATION OF MEMORANDA FOR CABINET
CABINET PRE-DIGEST
What is the purpose of pre-digest and why was it introduced?
1.
The purpose of the pre-digest process is to assist with the smooth running of Cabinet.
It was introduced by the First Minister to ensure that by the time that papers come to Cabinet
for decision the policy and other issues have been fully aired and proposals accurately reflect
the views of all Ministers with a direct portfolio interest. It enhances the collective decision
making process by ensuring that those Ministers are fully informed and that their portfolio
interests are taken fully into account in the policy development process and not me rely as an
afterthought. Done thoroughly, the pre-digest saves time for Ministers and officials by
ensuring that any significant policy issues, legislative or financial concerns that could
otherwise cause serious delay and possible embarrassment for Ministers are sorted out before
the paper issues to all Cabinet Ministers for a collective decision. The pre-digest also
provides a useful mechanism for addressing any Partnership issues.
2.
The pre-digest process is exactly the same for papers that will be discussed at a
Cabinet meeting as it is for items to be dealt with in Correspondence.
How can Ministers get the most out of the pre -digest process?
3.
The First Minister is particularly keen that Ministers should consider the policy and
political implications of proposed Cabinet business before embarking on the pre-digest
process. A brief conversation between the sponsoring Minister and those Ministers with
particular portfolio interests could be valuable in reducing the scope for lengthy and
potentially complex exchanges of correspondence. Similarly, Ministers would be welladvised to seek an early steer from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister before
pursuing potentially difficult and / or controversial policies. Officials and Private Office staff
should consider the merits of encouraging some pre-discussion between Ministers and advise
them accordingly. Cabinet Secretariat may also suggest such discussions. It is however
important that the outcome of any such Ministerial discussions is properly recorded.
Who needs to be involved in pre-digest?
4.
Policy proposals must be cleared with all other Ministers with a direct portfolio
interest before they are put to Cabinet either for discussion or in correspondence. Where
policy proposals have financial or legislative implications the Minister for Finance and Public
Service Reform and the Minister for Parliamentary Business should be included in the predigest. You should also consider whether there are legal considerations which would suggest
that the Law Officers should be involved at the pre-digest stage.
How is the pre -digest initiated?
5.
The sponsoring Minister should send a pre-digest minute to those Ministers identified
as having a portfolio interest, accompanied by the draft Cabinet Memorandum or
Correspondence Minute. The pre-digest minute can be fairly brief but needs to outline how

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the issue touches on the respective interests of the portfolio Ministers being consulted. A
template for pre -digest covering minutes is attached at Appendix I. Templates for draft
Cabinet Memoranda and Correspondence can be found under Ministerial in the Word
General Templates area in Outlook.
Who should be copied into the pre-digest?
6.
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister should receive copies of all papers
circulated in pre-digest. The First Minister should be side copied though he will not usually
comment at this stage. Similarly, the Deputy First Minister should be side copied unless he is
being consulted in pre-digest for his portfolio interests.
7.
The relevant Deputy Ministers should be side copied but any comments they wish to
make should be fed into the pre-digest exchanges through their respective Cabinet Minister.
Deputy Ministers cannot comment directly on Cabinet business.
The relevant
PS/Departments and Special Advisers should always be side copied as well as Cabinet
Secretariat and the Strategy and Delivery Unit. It is the responsibility of officials to identify
the copy list which should also include relevant senior officials, the lead official (who will
want to keep track of comments as they come in) and press office interests if necessary.
Cabinet Secretariat will be happy to advise on copy lists.
How long does the pre-digest take?
8.
You should allow at least 7 working days for pre-digest (this should be extended to 12
working days in recess). If it is necessary to seek a quicker pre-digest response the
sponsoring Minister should consult Cabinet Secretariat and agree a revised timetable with the
First Minister. In such circumstances the sponsoring Minister may also judge it prudent to
speak to those Ministers most likely to wish to comment. Cabinet Secretariat will aim to be
as flexible as possible in accommodating special circumstances consistent with ensuring that
the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet are given adequate time to consider
issues fully. An impending print deadline or conference speech are not normally sufficient to
warrant truncating the pre-digest process. A shortened pre-digest period which includes a
weekend may be more acceptable, as it would at least help Ministers find time to consider the
paper.
Who issues papers in pre -digest?
9.
All papers are issued in pre-digest by the Private Office of the sponsoring Minister.
The Private Office is also responsible for collating any responses required to answer queries
or comments from portfolio Ministers but will normally look to departmental officials for
support in that.
What do officials need to do?
10.
Any issues raised in pre-digest must be resolved before the Cabinet Memorandum or
Correspondence Minute issues. In response to all issues raised during the pre-digest officials
should provide the sponsoring Minister with a response for him/her to issue in reply. The
Private Office will send the response to the relevant portfolio Minister (side copied to all
Ministers on the pre-digest copy list), who may either request further information or indicate
that they are now content for the paper to issue.

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What happens next?

11.
When the pre-digest process is complete the text of the Memorandum or
Correspondence Minute should be revised to reflect fully (not just simply refer to) the views
raised by the portfolio Ministers. In addition, the Private Office should ensure that any
specific changes agreed as a result of the exchanges during pre-digest are incorporated into
the revised text.
12.
The Cabinet Memorandum or Correspondence Minute should specify in the
Consultation section which Ministers have been consulted in pre-digest and the outcome of
that consultation. In the event that there remains an unresolved disagreement between
departments or Ministers the paper should set out the differing views in an impartial way and
should define clearly the areas of disagreement.
13.
Once the revised paper has been cleared by the sponsoring Minister, the Private Office
should forward the paper to Cabinet Secretariat. Cabinet Secretariat will then either issue the
paper in correspondence or, if the paper is to be issued to Cabinet Ministers for discussion at
Cabinet, forward it to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for final clearance. In the
latter case Cabinet Secretariat will also provide a summary of all the comments made in predigest for the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to note as they consider the Cabinet
Memorandum.
If you have any doubts or queries about pre -digest or any other Cabinet procedures
please contact your Cabinet Secretariat contact who will be more than happy to advise.

Cabinet Secretariat
October 2005

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(Revised: October 2005)

APPENDIX I
From: Lead Minister
[Date]
[Pre-digest Ministers]

PRE-DIGEST PROPOSED CABINET MEMORANDUM - [NAME OF PAPER]

Purpose
1.
I attach for your comments a draft minute which I propose to issue to Cabinet on
[Name of Paper]. The draft minute seeks Cabinet approval to [text].
Priority
2.
Urgent. The paper is provisionally included in the Cabinet agenda for the meeting on
[Date]. I would appreciate any comments you have by [Date]
Background
3.

[Text]

Discussion
4.

[Text]

5.
The paper touches on your respective portfolio interests in a number of ways, [none of
which should give rise to any problems]:
5.1

[Portfolio]: [Details (including relevant pages number in paper etc)]

5.2

[Portfolio]: [Details (including relevant pages number in paper etc)]

5.3

[Portfolio]: [Details (including relevant pages number in paper etc)]

5.4

[Portfolio]: [Details (including relevant pages number in paper etc)]

5.5

[Portfolio]: [Details (including relevant pages number in paper etc)]

Conclusion
6.
I should be grateful to know by [date] that you are content for me to submit the
attached paper to Cabinet for approval.

[Lead Minister's Initials]

[Date - Month and year only]

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APPENDIX I

For
Action

Copy List:

Deputy First Minister

First Minister
[Deputy Portfolio Ministers]

For
Comments

For Information
Portfolio
Interest

Constit
Interest

General
Awareness

X
X
X

PS/Perm Sec
[Relevant PS/Departments]
[Relevant officials]
Liz Lewis OPS Head of Ministerial Support Group
Colin Cook OPS Head of Cabinet Secretariat
[Relevant Cabinet Secretariat contact] - Cabinet Secretariat
Alan Johnston Deputy First Ministers office
Douglas Campbell Senior Special Adviser
Sam Ghibaldan - Senior Special Adviser
[Other relevant SPADs (Labour & Lib Dem)]
Strategy and Delivery Unit
[Press Office]

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