Anyone in England, Scotland and Wales can report a crime to the police. A non-disclosure agreement cannot stop someone doing this.
From 1 October 2025, victims of crime in England and Wales have extra rights related to sharing information about a crime. These rights apply even if they signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Victims of crime in England and Wales
From 1 October 2025, victims of crime in England and Wales have a right to make a 'permitted disclosure' under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. This means they can share information about a crime with some people, to get advice and emotional support.
A victim of crime is someone who suffers harm as a result of being subjected to a criminal offence. This includes those who reasonably believe they are a victim of crime. Victims are protected even if they have not reported the crime to the police.
Who a victim of crime can share information with
Anyone who is a victim of crime in England or Wales can share information about the crime with the following:
- the police or other bodies that investigate crime
- a qualified lawyer
- regulated professionals
- victim support services
- regulators
A victim of crime can share information with anyone authorised to receive information on behalf of these groups. For example, a receptionist at a law firm.
Victims of crime can also share information with their close family.
If they share information with anyone else, they might be in breach of their non-disclosure agreement.
Police and other bodies that investigate crime
Victims of crime can share information with the police and other bodies.
Other bodies include:
- Health and Safety Executive
- Competition and Markets Authority
- Environment Agency
- Gambling Commission
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Information Commissioner’s Office
- Serious Fraud Office
This is so they can investigate the crime and take legal action.
Example of sharing information with the police
Jo was physically assaulted by their manager at work. Jo signed a non-disclosure agreement to keep the organisation's information confidential. But they can still share information about the crime to help with police investigations.
Lawyers
Victims of crime can share information with a qualified lawyer to get legal advice about the crime.
Example of sharing information to get legal advice
Meera was physically assaulted at work by a customer. Meera has signed a non-disclosure agreement with their employer. But they can still share information about the crime with a qualified lawyer to get legal advice.
Regulated professionals
Victims of crime can share information with a regulated professional to get support in relation to the crime.
Regulated professionals include:
- paramedics
- social workers
- school teachers
Victim support services
Victims of crime can share information with victim support services to get emotional support.
Victim support services include:
- healthcare professionals
- counsellors
- sexual violence advisers
Regulators
Regulators are bodies that regulate a particular industry. They set standards and consider misconduct. For example:
- the General Medical Council
- the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Victims of crime cannot report a crime directly to a regulator. The police will inform the regulator.
If the regulator then contacts the victim of crime, they can share information to help with an investigation.
Example of sharing information with a regulator
Pat has been physically assaulted at work by a doctor. Pat has signed a non-disclosure agreement with their employer. Pat reported the assault to the police. The police inform the regulator about the crime.
The regulator then asks Pat about the crime. This is to help them decide whether to remove the doctor from the medical register.
Pat can share information with the regulator, even though they signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Close family
Victims of crime can share information with close family to get emotional support.
They can share information about the crime with the following family members:
- children
- parents
- their husband, wife, civil partner or long-term partner
If the victim signed a non-disclosure agreement, they cannot share information about the crime with other family members or close friends.
When a non disclosure agreement would still be enforceable
A victim of crime might be in breach of a non-disclosure agreement if they:
- release information into the public domain – for example talking to the press
- share confidential information that does not relate to the crime – for example sharing an organisation's commercial or financial details