In recent years, there has been increased publicity around the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence targets of workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.
The rise of the #MeToo movement shed light on confidential settlement agreements, how they might prevent survivors from speaking out and how they facilitate and perpetuate workplace abuse.
Insights from the Speak Out Dashboard show that 22% of reports made to us are tied to an NDA with the teacher, training and education sector reporting more than double the all sector average.
The excessive use of NDAs to silence those who have been subjected to harassment and bullying, particularly in our higher education establishments, demands attention.
Speak Out Revolution are calling for change.
Have you been silenced by an NDA?
Whatever your sector, whatever your country help us drive change by anonymously sharing your experience today.
We’re in the news…
The Times Higher Education recently published “The real threat to free speech on campus, The non-disclosure agreement”, authored by Professor Mark Geoghegan. The article raises awareness of the overuse of NDAs at UK universities, the impact on those who sign them and a call to action for government. And Speak Out Revolution are featured in it!
UK universities have been authorising more than 2000 NDAs annually with their students and staff, this works out at 6 NDAs every day just in UK universities.
We think this needs to change so we’re supporting a call for evidence. Keep reading to find out how you can support much needed change.
Have you been silenced by an NDA in Higher Education?
We’re gathering stories for publication to support legislative reform. Stories will be anonymised however, journalists will need to verify their sources.
If you wish to share your story anonymously, share your experience here noting the date + time and then complete this short form. (This process maintains the separation of your experience and personal information)
As a result of the misconduct I suffered, and the pressure I felt to stay silent, I decided to make a legal stand in order to demonstrate that the standard blanket confidentiality imposed on victims of sexual misconduct via non-disclosure agreements is damaging and unnecessary.
Dr Emma Chapman
Our Advocates
Professor Mark Geoghegan
Author of “The real threat to free speech on campus:
The non-disclosure agreement”.
Mark Geoghegan holds the Roland Cookson Chair in Engineering Materials, School of Engineering, Newcastle University. Mark is the Athena SWAN lead for Engineering at Newcastle, promoting gender diversity and best practice.