This Confidentiality Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of the ___ day of ________, 20, by and between the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County ("VACWC"), located at 555 N. Court St. Suite 300 Rockford, Il 61103 and {name-2} & {name-3} ("Commissioner(s)"), who is serving as a Commissioner(s) of the VACWC.
- Purpose
This Agreement sets forth the obligations of confidentiality to which each Commissioner of the VACWC must adhere to protect sensitive, personal, and proprietary information related to veterans, their families, and the internal operations of the VACWC.
- Definition of Confidential Information
"Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to:
- Personal, financial, and service-related data of veterans and their families.
- Information regarding VACWC operations, internal deliberations, strategic initiatives, financial records, and management discussions.
- Any information shared in certain meetings, sessions, briefings, or communications that is labeled or reasonably understood to be confidential.
- Commissioner's Obligations
The Commissioner agrees:
- To hold all Confidential Information in strict confidence and to avoid disclosing it to unauthorized persons, entities, or the general public.
- To use Confidential Information solely for fulfilling duties as a Commissioner and not for personal or third-party gain.
- To follow all VACWC policies, protocols, and guidelines related to information security and confidentiality.
- To report any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of Confidential Information immediately to the VACWC Advisory Committee or Superintendent.
- Permissible Disclosures
Confidential Information may only be disclosed:
- To other Commissioners, VACWC employees, or parties authorized by VACWC, on a need-to-know basis to fulfill VACWC responsibilities.
- When required by law, subpoena, or court order, with the Commissioner agreeing to promptly notify VACWC of such requests (unless legally prohibited) and to cooperate with any VACWC efforts to limit or oppose disclosure.
- Dismissal from Commission for Breach
The Commissioner acknowledges that any breach of this Agreement is considered serious and may result in removal from the VACWC commission. Specifically:
- VACWC reserves the right to dismiss the Commissioner from their position if they engage in unauthorized disclosure or misuse of Confidential Information.
- Upon determination of a breach by the VACWC, the Commissioner may be dismissed by a majority vote of the commission or by other means as stipulated in VACWC's governing policies.
- The Commissioner will be notified in writing of the dismissal, including the reasons for the decision and any opportunity to address the breach as provided under VACWC policies.
- Return of Materials
Upon termination of service as a Commissioner or at VACWC’s request, the Commissioner agrees to promptly return any documents, materials, or electronic records containing Confidential Information.
- Term and Survival of Obligations
The confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement shall:
- Remain in effect for the duration of the Commissioner’s service with VACWC.
- Continue indefinitely after the termination of service unless the information becomes public knowledge through no fault of the Commissioner.
- Remedies for Breach
The Commissioner acknowledges that unauthorized disclosure may cause irreparable harm to VACWC. In the event of such a breach, VACWC shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, along with other legal remedies, to prevent further unauthorized disclosure.
- Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict of law principles.
- Entire Agreement
This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Commissioner and VACWC regarding confidentiality and supersedes any prior understandings, representations, or agreements between the parties.
- Amendments
This Agreement may not be altered or amended except in writing signed by both VACWC and the Commissioner.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Confidentiality Agreement as of the date first above written.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County (VACWC)
By: ___________________________
Name: _________________________
Title: __________________________
Commissioner(s)
By: ___________________________
Name: {name-2} & {name-3}
Title: Commissioner(s)
Date: __________________________
This Agreement includes a dismissal clause to ensure that breaches of confidentiality may result in prompt action, including removal from the commission, thereby protecting the VACWC's sensitive information and interests.
