Your personal data not safe in their hands: official

Well, there’s been an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into HMRC fiasco where two disks that contained sensitive data of up to 25 million people in receipt of child benefit was lost. They state that the Revenue’s process for data handling was “woefully inadequate”.

That whilst individual members of staff were not to blame for the loss, there was a complete lack of any meaningful systems; a lack of understanding of the importance of data handling; and a ‘muddle through’ ethos. The investigation uncovered failures in institutional practices and procedures concerning the handling of data.
It revealed the absence of a coherent strategy for mass data handling and, generally speaking, practices and procedures were less than effective. Staff found themselves working on a day-to-day basis without adequate support, training or guidance about how to handle sensitive personal data appropriately.

What stands out from this report is the lack of training on data handling given to ordinary members of staff and poor office procedures. Seeems like the usual excuse of cheapskating over training, a muddle through mentality and a total disinterest by management in developing the staff (well, that is echoed in many workplace situations). And will they learn any lessons from this?

Shocking truth of homophobic hate crime

A report has just been published showing that one in five lesbians and gay men have been a victim of a homophobic hate crime. And three-quarters of the victims don’t report the crimes because they believe the police aren’t interested. The recommendations include better police recording regarding homophobic attacks (does that also include educating the cops on the seriousness?), and tackling bulying in schools.

Jacqui Smith has said she would ask a ministerial group to tackle the issue. So it seems like a further report of the report. Action speaks louder than words and on this it damn well should.

A friend of mine along with his boyfriend was physically attacked walking home one night. He reported it to the police and he told me that he wished he hadn’t the bothered because the cops didn’t show the slightest interest, no follow-up or investigation and I am sure that is echoed by many other victims of hate crime (including racist and misogyny).

The parent of Jody Dobrowski (he was murdered on Clapham Common in 2006 a victim of a homophobic attack), Sheri says:

“Homophobia is endemic in society. We cannot express this. No intelligent, healthy or reasonable society could”.