Confidentiality clause
A confidentiality clause is a provision within a contract that obligates the parties involved to keep certain information confidential. This is designed to protect sensitive information, trade secrets, and proprietary data from being disclosed to unauthorised parties.
The clause defines what constitutes confidential information, which may include project plans, financial details, technical specifications, client lists, and so on. Parties are required to use the confidential information only for the purposes specified in the contract and must take reasonable steps to protect the information from unauthorised access or disclosure.
Examples might include:
- Protecting designs, engineering methods, or construction techniques.
- Safeguarding financial arrangements, such as project budgets and cost estimates.
- Ensuring that client information, such as project requirements and specifications, remains confidential.
The clause typically outlines the circumstances under which confidential information may be disclosed, such as to employees, subcontractors, or agents who need to know the information to perform their duties. It may also specify disclosures required by law or regulation. Certain information may be excluded from the confidentiality obligation, such as information that is already public knowledge, independently developed by the receiving party, or lawfully obtained from a third party without a confidentiality obligation.
The clause details the consequences of breaching the confidentiality obligation, which may include damages, termination of the contract, or other legal remedies.
The confidentiality obligation usually extends beyond the term of the contract, continuing for a specified period after the project’s completion or indefinitely, depending on the nature of the information.
See also: Non-disclosure agreement.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.