I think one of the biggest problems is actually the equivalent of
identity theft - or in this case, "qualification theft" in that there is
a very real risk of people claiming to be who they are not.
For example, Dr X applies for a job at Hospital Y, claiming he got his
medical qualifications from University Z. In actual fact, Dr X is Mr
Nobody who's never achieved any medical qualifications at all. Or
worse, knows just enough to keep people from realising they're not
properly qualified. Ultimately it is up to the prospective employer to
verify the identity of their applicants, but in the real world, people
often start work on conditional work offers, subject to confirmation of
their references later. What if the employer obtains copies of medical
degrees from the University and that information arrives on file before
the identity of the applicant has been properly confirmed? What if that
person then asks for a copy of their own certificates for reference,
because they've lost their own degree certificate? These are very real
risks involved here. My personal opinion is that fear of the
administrative burden of getting all the paperwork in place may put
patients at risk. I know from painful experience how bolshy consultants
can be, demanding we rubber stamp overseas doctor's credentials without
question because they want their newly appointed staff at work now, not
in six weeks time.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Haynes
Sent: 12 July 2006 11:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Question for HEIs re confirmation of
Awards
Although not an HEI, this issue is rather topical for us at the RCOG at
the moment as we are literally in the midst of revising our procedures.
It is obviously in the public interest for it to be possible to check
whether a particular doctor has the specialist qualifications he/she is
claiming. We have decided to make it clear to candidates for College
examinations both where /how examination results will be posted and also
that we will confirm qualifications when requested by third parties.
These warnings will go in examinations and admissions ceremony
literature and individuals will have the right to opt out if they wish.
We are hoping that very few will. We will make some attempt to ensure
that the requests are legitimate e.g. not giving out information over
the phone, etc. As for those who qualified before the warnings /
permissions were in place, we have decided to treat them in the same
way, as we are not sure how answering such a request might be harmful to
the individual concerned. If anyone has any advice about what else we
should take into consideration while we're updating procedures, I'd be
very grateful.
Many thanks,
Jenny.
Jennifer Haynes
Archivist & Records Manager
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 27, Sussex Place
Regent's Park London NW1 4RG
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7772 6381
Fax: +44(0) 20 7762 8331
Email: [log in to unmask]
Visit our website at www.rcog.org.uk
Setting standards to improve women's health
Registered Charity No. 213280
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Nick Landau
Sent: 12 July 2006 10:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Question for HEIs re confirmation of
Awards
What if the request is to confirm that they issued a certain degree to
X? I thought that this would be a result of the degree being recognised
by the Privy Council.
If I say that I am a Chartered Statistician (CStat) and use the initials
after my name (which I rarely do), then I think that someone has the
right to check that I have the entitlement to use these initials.
Of course, there is a court case at the moment on this very matter.
Nick Landau
PS I would have thought that the programme of the degree ceremony is a
matter of public record - and I think that everyone is normally included
whether they attended or not.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Iain Harrison" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Question for HEIs re confirmation of
Awards
Surely the agencies themselves should be informing the students when
they
collect their data that they will be seeking this information from you?
The
student's signed authority could then be copied to you to confirm this.
I would say that if consent is not obtained, no disclosure should be
made by
you.
Iain
Iain Harrison
Information Management Consultant
Leicester City Council
0116 252 7606
>>> Mandi Barron <[log in to unmask]> 07/12/06 9:53 am >>>
All
Currently we receive numerous requests from employment agencies and
employers asking us to confirm that a student has indeed studied with
us. We currently ask for the student's written authority to release this
information however this causes a lot of work and prolongs the process.
My question is this. As the agency/employer etc has been provided with
the information by the student already, and we are just confirming these
details, do we actually need to obtain the student's written authority
to release, or is this implied by the student supplying the info in the
first place?
In such cases can we confirm without the students explicit consent?
And what about cases where we are not provided with dates and programme
of study, just that the student has claimed he is an ex-student of the
University? Could we confirm or deny that and provide details of the
programmes and dates of study if appropriate? This is different to the
first scenario in that we would be disclosing (rather than confirming)
personal information without explicit consent, however it could be
argued that this is preventing fraud?
Any thoughts would be appreciated
Mandi
Mandi Barron
Assistant Registrar (Regulation) and Information Officer
Bournemouth University, Registry
1st Floor Melbury House, 1-3 Oxford Road
Bournemouth, BH8 8ES
tel: +44 (0) 1202 961076 fax: +44 (0) 1202 961066
email: [log in to unmask]
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