“We are treading on murky moral ground”
Ms Moore returns for debate.
“There has been growing public concern over several years on the misuse of NDAs in the charity sector,” she says.
“Their original purpose was to protect intellectual property or other commercially sensitive information. That’s a perfectly proper, acceptable use.
“But more reports are surfacing of how such agreements are being used in inappropriate, unethical and immoral ways. To prevent people speaking about harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace.”
Makes comparisons with the Horizon-Post Office scandal.
Rev Murray warns over discussing specific cases or naming anyone. Ms Moore continues:
“When PCI enters into agreements with NDAs attached, we are treading on murky moral ground.
“Why do we feel as a church body, a charity, the need to press for NDAs in work-related tribunals? Is this really a good enough reason to silence people? By not allowing them to discuss their cases?
“When we use NDAs to silence people we are in danger of shutting down information or trends which might help us to see patterns which alert us to problems.
“We can then make better informed governance decisions, but at the moment we are in the dark.
Ms Moore continues: “I am deeply exercised that PCI uses such clauses at all.”