I think there is an element of Caesar's Wife about this - a charity
receiving many sensitive and confidential calls has to be seen to be
respecting privacy and confidentiality at all costs, even if this means
being unable to challenge statements that might be wrong, or positions
which might be unfair. None of us know whether the No 10 stories are
true, and ironically, I don't think these interventions have shone any
further light on the matter. However, they have risked identifying
vulnerable people.

I agree with both previous contributors - it's hard to be sure that
confidences have not been breached here, and given the nature of the
activity they're involved in, the only option should have been not to
take the risk.

Tim Turner

-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of chris pounder
Sent: 22 February 2010 12:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Bullying row and confidentiality

"Personal data" definition makes it clear - see CSA v SIC if you need
convincing.

The bullying charity have other information in their possession to
identify
the individual concerned. They have made a disclosure of information
contained in personal data (assuming the complaint information is also
"data")

I also suspect that No 10 already have a list of contacts of who has
complained about bullying.

Assuming the complainants have not made their complaints well known in
the
office, I think there is a likely breach of confidence.



C


-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ibrahim Hasan
Sent: 22 February 2010 11:32
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Bullying row and confidentiality

This is interesting from a privacy perspective.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8527881.stm

The head of the charity claims she did not name names. But as we all
know
you don't have to name someone for it to be their personal data. The
question is can the individual or individuals be identified. Judging by
the
stories in the "facts" revealed over the weekend I think they can.

Any thoughts anyone.


Regards

Ibrahim Hasan

Solicitor and Trainer
www.informationlaw.org.uk

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