Information requested
All documents relating to the conclusion and outcome [such as the completed investigation report] of a three-year NHS Protect investigation into the use of restricted NHS data which was used by PwC. The investigation concluded around May 2017.
- The allegations were that PwC had obtained restricted Health and Social Care Information Centre workforce data from an NHS employee. It then used the data in order to win contract bids and consultancy work with 20 trusts over five years.
- Further details of the case can be found here: https://www.hsj.co.uk/workforce/exclusive-consultancy-firm-avoids-prosecution-over-use-of-restricted-nhs-data/7020825.article
NHSCFA response
The information you requested is being withheld as it falls under the exemption in section 30(1) and Sections 40 (2) & 40(3A) of the Freedom of Information Act. In applying exemption 30(1) 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.