FOI 327834

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 327834

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 19^th April 2024. Please find below the response to your request:

I am writing to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) within your force during the financial years 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24.

I am seeking the following information pertaining to your force for the specified period:

1 - The total amount of money spent on NDAs by your force from in the specified period.

2 - The number of individuals who signed NDAs with your force during the specified period, categorised by:
a. Police officers
b. Civilian staff members
c. Members of the public

Please also break this down by male and female, if possible.

3 - The largest amount of money paid to someone part of a single NDA agreement during the specified period.

4 - If not over the cost limit, a breakdown of the reasons for which NDAs were signed, categorised by:
a. Matters relating to employment
b. Complaints against the police force
c. Other reasons (please specify)

5 - Any legal fees associated with these NDAs, if any.

Reply

West Mercia Police do not use individual NDA agreements. However, any settlement agreements entered into by the Force in the context of employment matters include a mutual confidentiality clause relating to the terms of the legal agreement only. The confidentiality provisions do not cover the circumstances giving rise to the settlement agreement.

The breakdown below therefore relates to settlement agreements which have included a mutual confidentiality clause on the specific terms of the settlement agreement only.

Breakdown of male and female, this has been given in an uncorrelated table to ensure individuals are not identified.

Reasons for settlement agreements due to matters relating to employment.