My apologies, regarding my message below. I don't mean 3(b) in the first
paragraph, I meant 3(a)(ii) - sorry.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Simon Howarth
Sent: 19 May 2009 14:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] confidential information and internal data
re-use
Firstly, why can't you use the vital interests? At least in so far as
schedule 3 is concerned 3(b) "...protect the vital interests of another
person". That covers sensitive information - would it cover "the commission
or alleged commission of any offence"?
In so far as Schedule 2 is concerned I would say that the protection of
other people falls within either para 3 and/or para 6. I would suggest that
you can therefore legitimately share this information so long as you are
certain of the "facts".
If something is given confidentially then of course confidentiality should
be maintained. However, if they are involved in illegal activity, then do
you not have recourse to section 29?
As for which option is best. Much better to incur the "wrath" of one angry
student, than the wrath of everyone if they end up doing serious harm to
someone, or God forbid, going on the rampage with a gun (extreme example,
but you get my drift).
This is just off the top of my head....
Simon Howarth.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Okey, Andrew
Sent: 19 May 2009 14:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] confidential information and internal data re-use
Colleagues,
Your opinion would be welcome on the following scenario:
When students first register at Lancaster University they are given a
Fair Processing notice that makes clear to them that data collected by
any part of the university may be used in support of all the
typical/routine functions of the university, including the management of
academic programmes, the operation of disciplinary and welfare services
etc. It is also made clear that information will be shared amongst staff
when (but only when) there is an operational need.
Student X performs poorly in his chosen course, and asks to restart on a
new course. In considering X's restart request the admissions office
collates information on X's status, performance and personal history to
date, including formal records of disciplinary action taken against X on
one occasion.
In my role as DP office, I am then approached by X's original academic
department, who indicate they have had several conversations with the
student, which the student believed to be confidential, and which were
conducted so that the department could better understand what was
affecting X's academic performance. The information gleaned from those
conversations suggest that X could potentially be (a) involved in some
illegal activity and/or (b) that they might pose a threat to the
wellbeing of other students he may come into contact with.
Do I advise the department to pass this information to the admissions
operation? The main argument against would be that of Fair Processing -
the data (some of it possibly sensitive) was collected for one purpose,
and is now to be used for a very different one, with the student not
having been approached about this (and, because the data is probably at
least partly sensitive, that means we need consent, which I doubt will
be forthcoming).
The main argument in favour would be that we have a broader duty to
protect other students, which means we have to use this data to inform
our decision about restart. This course of action places more weight on
our duty of care than on our observance of DP law - after all, X is not
a threat to HIMSELF, so we can't use the "vital interests" argument.
Anyone want to comment on which of the two issues we'd be better off
being sued for? Or is there a way out of this mess?
Thanks
Andrew Okey
Administrative Officer
Student Registry
Lancaster University
[log in to unmask]
01524-592138 (internal ext: 92138)
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