FOI release

FOI2025/00215: Investigations into UKRI staff behaviours

This request was refused in full, so we didn't provide the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2025/00215

Received 18 February 2025

Published 15 May 2025

Request

Request received: 18 February 2025

1. The number of UKRI staff (and contractors) who were involved (e.g. as witnesses, complainants, victims) in any investigations into behaviours by staff in the HR function that were ongoing in 2024 or 2025, who have left or are expected to leave the organisation between September 2024 and March 2025.

2. How many of those that left or are expected to leave did so under a settlement agreement or exit package.

3. How many of those settlements/exit packages included a section or clause relinquishing the rights of those accepting the agreement to raise any claims against UKRI.

4. How many of those settlements/exit packages included a non-disclosure or confidentiality section or clause.

Response

Response sent: 17 March 2025

I can confirm that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) does hold information relevant to your request.

 

However, we consider that the exemption under section 40(2) of the FOIA, which relates to personal information, would apply and the information has been withheld. In responding to your request we have considered the risks of identifying individuals from small numbers, and the information has been withheld to mitigate against the disclosure of personal data.

 

We believe that to disclose information relating to small numbers of individuals would contravene the first Data Protection Principle as defined under Section 86 of the Data Protection Act 2018 and Article 5 of UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) of lawfulness, fairness and transparency. Section 40(2) is an absolute exemption and does not require a public interest test.

 

Please note that in regards to exits and settlements, UKRI adheres to the Cabinet Office Guidance on Settlement Agreements, Special Severance Payments on Termination of Employment and Confidentiality Clauses[1].

[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d2c7852ed915d2fe7abea6d/Cabinet-Office-guidance-on-settlement-agreements-special-severance-payments-on-termination-of-employment-and-confidentiality-clauses.pdf

Documents

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