Date of Request
July 23
Request
To Whom it may concern,
In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, We request the following information:
1. Please state how many non-disclosure agreements with former or current staff at your fire brigade have been signed in the following years:
A.2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. Between 1/1/2023-1/3/2023
2.Please state how many non-disclosure agreements were signed by female former or current staff in the following years:
A.2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. Between 1/1/2023-1/3/2023
3 For each year please state the total amount paid out to staff through non-disclosure agreements in the following years:
A.2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. Between 1/1/2023-1/3/2023
As you know, under the act you are required to provide a response within 20 days.
If you do not provide the information requested, you must explain the legal basis for the information being withheld. If you decline part of the request due to information being sensitive, the request being too vague, or reasonable cost being exceeded, you must still provide the part you can fulfil.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Response
Dear X
Thank you for your request for information which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.
It is not uncommon for the settlement of an employment claim to include a requirement for confidentiality as to the terms of the settlement. However, that is not my understanding of what I think you mean by a ‘non-disclosure agreement’. I understand a non-disclosure agreement in this context to mean an agreement that designed to prevent an individual from speaking out about particular events or misconduct . On that basis, the answer to all your questions is ‘none’.
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Kind regards
Information Governance Team