Hello list members
A (rare) interesting DP issue has popped up that I'd like to share with the
group.
This came up as intially as a speculative FOI enquiry but the interesting
issue is potentially a DP one.
Scenario as follows:
A failed candidate for a job (he had one interview but was not asked back
for a second and final one), wrote in to us, and asked for, and I quote:
" Please accept this request under the FOI legislation I wish to see all
the records associated with the above appointment. I don't need names or
addresses."
Now, although it isn't totally clear exactly what he is after, given he has
mentioned that 'names and addresses are not required', I am assuming that,
at least in part, he wants to see the CVs/application forms of the other
candidates.
My immediate reaction was that this is personal data and hence has an
absolute exemption under FOI anyway. But then I thought some more about
whether CVs/app forms would be considered personal if all personal details
were removed from them??
Obviously, in some cases where there is a 'publications section' to a CV
you could work out who the person was to a large degree, but otherwise, is
it personal data?? EG if you knew someone was 'PR manager' for Acme
limited between 2002-2004, you could potentially find out who it is???
My gut feeling is ,'yes of course it still is', but it would be interesting
to hear what other group members think. And if they think it isn't
personal data, would they be happy to release all these CVs/app forms under
an FOI enquiry.
I don't think this issue has been discussed before, so hopefully it will
spark off some interesting debates
Cheers
Paula
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
All archives of messages are stored permanently and are
available to the world wide web community at large at
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/data-protection.html
If you wish to leave this list please send the command
leave data-protection to [log in to unmask]
All user commands can be found at : -
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/help/commandref.htm
Any queries about sending or receiving message please send to the list owner
[log in to unmask]
(all commands go to [log in to unmask] not the list please)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
|