My view
I'd agree with Charles 'no comment' response but perhaps it should be a bit
more transparent along the lines of
'our information systems integrity is not sufficient to provide the
character reference you seek', particulary if the respondents employer has
not created any policy on who is permitted to give 'character reference'
data. Very seldom will you discover that an organisation has given
sufficient consideration and resources to ensure the content of a character
reference has some evidence to support it.
There is much history to show how often 'experts' are wrong with their
opinions of others.
If the respondent is uncomfortable with the question raised it is usually a
good indication that their employers systems are not adequate to support a
valued response.
David Wyatt
----- Original Message -----
From: "C.Oppenheim" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Question on a reference[Scanned]
> I'm surprised at Ronan's first question, as this is a standard form of
> words used in many pro forma reference requests.
>
> Might not the solution be to put "no comment" against the question if
> there really are DP concerns?
>
> Charles
>
> Professor Charles Oppenheim
> Head
> Department of Information Science
> Loughborough University
> Loughborough
> Leics LE11 3TU
>
> Tel 01509-223065
> Fax 01509-223053
> e mail [log in to unmask]
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "RONAN DURNIN" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 5:17 PM
> Subject: Re: Question on a reference[Scanned]
>
>
> Why are those seeking a reference asking the question? And would
> answering no to the question cause damage or distress to the subject of
> the reference? Remember that by providing a reference, you are passing
> personal data of the data subject onto a third party. The data subject
> may well have been told at the point of completing the application form
> (or whatever form) that references would be sought - I don't believe
> that this is necessarily an indication that the data subject consents to
> such personal information being obtained by the requestor or disclosed
> by the recipient of the reference request. Might it be appropriate to
> contact the data subject to obtain their consent given their previous
> plagiarism?
>
> Just my tuppence worth...
>
> Ronan.
>
> ========================
> Ronan Durnin
> Business Support Officer
> NIGALA
> 79 Chichester Street
> Belfast
> BT1 4JE
> -----Original Message-----
> From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Graham Donelan
> Sent: 06 September 2006 17:07
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [data-protection] Question on a reference[Scanned]
>
> Maybe not strictly be a DP question but has DP implications possibly.
>
> An organization is seeking a reference for a student and asks the
> question "Do you believe the subject to be strictly honest,
> conscientious and discreet?"
>
> If the student has been found guilty of plagiarism but has continued on
> the course and has now graduated, can one answer YES to that question?
> It is normal practice not to refer to such matters in the reference but
> the question is very direct.
>
> Thanks
>
> Graham
>
> Graham Donelan
> University Secretary
> Liverpool Hope University
> Telephone - 0151 291 3756
> Fax - 0151 291 3855
>
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