** Reply to note from Rebecca Hughes <[log in to unmask]> Mon, 8 Oct 2001 12:55:29 +0100
> Are there any other universities out there having problems with data
> protection statements on registration forms? Our statement already covers
> one side of A4 and is threatening to extend to another. I have received a
> letter from HEFCE asking us to include a 3 paragraph statement from them
> too - I can't help but question this... surely the more we put on data
> collection forms, the less likely people are to read it so rendering the
> entire exercise useless. Has anybody managed to keep registration form
> collection notices to a minimum?
Hi,
Not been there yet - if ever.
To comply with the Act should the statement not be simple, honest, truthfull
and easy to understand as opposed to a long list of ifs buts maybes
clauses etc. I mean in many instances the statements are directed at 17-18
year olds.
I think the more complex, keep the lawyers happy, statement should be put on
the web site and if the data subject wants to find out more information they
can go and do so. Ditto for HEFCE etc. At the end of the day including
statemens of other organisations (as it happened with the careers stuff)
makes us appear liable for what HEFCE or SHEFC may or may not do.
Ehmm. The legal eagles will have me for lunch now.
Charles
PS. if I had my way, no such statement would be more than one chunky
paragraph. Any more I think is unfair on the data subject.
==============================================
Charles Christacopoulos, Secretary's Office, University of Dundee,
Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44+(0)1382-344891. Fax: +44+(0)1382-201604.
http://www.somis.dundee.ac.uk/
Scottish Search Maestro http://somis2.ais.dundee.ac.uk/
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