3/28/2023 0 Comments Hidden business information![]() ![]() Provide that information separately in a document or schedule clearly marked 'trade secrets'. Agreeing, when dealing with a public body, which information is commercially sensitive or a trade secret.Specifically appointing someone to make sure future information you give to public bodies is vetted and managed.Asking them for a notice period before they reveal information about you, so you can plan to protect.Getting the public bodies concerned to tell you if they are asked for information about you (they are encouraged by government guidelines to consult with you in case an exemption applies, though they don't have to).Checking the information you have provided to public bodies in the past - is any of it sensitive? If so, prepare contingency plans in case it is made public.Protect your interests by knowing the information public bodies hold about you and whether it will be disclosed by: So, details of pricing in your tender for work from a public body might be kept secret during the tender, but not necessarily afterwards. So, information about special equipment you use would probably be a trade secret - though not its state of repair.Įven if the let-outs apply, the public body can still disclose your information if it's in the public interest that it does, for example, where disclosure would show that it is spending public money wisely. 'Trade secrets' and information that would prejudice your commercial interests can't be given out.Information can't be given out if you have legal rights to prevent it, for example, if you are a supplier to a public body and your contract says it can't disclose information it has about you because of that relationship. ![]() There are two important exceptions, when your information won't be given out: The Freedom of Information Act means anyone can ask to see that information, including your competitors, suppliers, customers and employees, unless you can claim confidentiality under one of the legal let-outs. If a public body has dealt with you - corresponded with you, investigated you, issued you with a licence or contracted work to you - it will have information about you. Follow the tips in this article to make sure your confidential business information doesn't inadvertently end up in the public domain All in the public domain Public bodies now have to release information they hold on you - even to your competitors - unless exemptions apply. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |