Information requested

It is my understanding that convicted criminal Nick Leeson recently spoke at an internal NHS Counter Fraud Authority event.

I would like to know:

  1. How much, in total, did NHS Counter Fraud Authority pay to Nick Leeson for him to visit/speak at this event?
  2. Was the visit funded using public taxpayer money or privately funded?
  3. How long did Nick Leeson visit/speak for at this event?

NHSCFA response

In response to your request:

  1. The information you requested is being withheld as it falls under the exemption in section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act. In applying this exemption we have had to balance the public interest in withholding the information against the public interest in disclosing the information. The attached annex to this letter sets out the exemption in full, as well as the factors the Authority considered when deciding that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
  2. The visit was funded with public money.
  3. Nick Leeson attended for half a day and spoke for approximately 45 minutes

Annex A

Section 43
Commercial interests.

(1)Information is exempt information if it constitutes a trade secret.

(2)Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of any person (including the public authority holding it).

(3)The duty to confirm or deny does not arise if, or to the extent that, compliance with section 1(1)(a) would, or would be likely to, prejudice the interests mentioned in subsection (2).
Factors for disclosure Factors for withholding
  • NHS Counter Fraud Authority believes in transparency, accountability and openness with how public money is spent.
  • Disclosure may reduce the willingness of the agency to provide future services to NHS Counter Fraud Authority.
  • Disclosure may prevent future negotiations with the supplier.
  • There is a public interest in maintaining the ability of private suppliers to contract effectively.
Reasons why public interest favours withholding information
  • The balance of the public interest lies in favour of withholding the information as the interest lies with protecting the information of the service supplier.