Privacy and restricted disclosure orders

Rule 50 allows a tribunal either on its own volition or on application by one of the parties to make an order to prevent or restrict public disclosure of any aspect of the proceedings where it is necessary:

• in the interests of justice;

• to protect someone’s human rights; and

• to hear evidence that could not lawfully be disclosed, is confidential, or would cause substantial injury to the undertaking in which the person works.

The tribunal also has the power to make a restricted reporting order (RRO) in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct or disability discrimination cases involving evidence of a personal nature. This prevents anyone publishing anything that could identify one of those affected.