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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what procedures are in place (a) to check the criminal records of civil servants in his Department and agencies responsible to his Department, including the Benefits Agency, who have access to computer databases containing confidential information on the public and (b) to ensure that there can be no improper use of computer databases containing confidential information on the public; and if he will make a statement. [194596] Maria Eagle: All prospective employees of the Department and it's agencies are required to provide information about their eligibility to be employed, which include the requirement to declare any criminal convictions. If anyone in the Department is charged with or convicted of a criminal offence they are required to inform their manager straight away. When an offence comes to light consideration is given to establish whether restriction of duties, transfer or suspension from duty is appropriate and what disciplinary action is required. Failure to report a criminal caution can of itself be treated as a disciplinary offence. As civil servants all Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff are subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Code and the Department's Standards of Behaviour statement is based on it. Staff standards of behaviour require that computers or computer systems must only be used to access or process information people need to do their job. They must not access (or attempt to access) their own or other people's records, systems or information without authorisation. There are also system generated access controls and auditing mechanisms. Staff are made aware of these measures during their training and consolidated by central guidance. Access to systems is approved by line managers and controlled by the local IT specialist.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

194596; 426 c1872W;426 c1876W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Data protection Databases Criminal records Civil servants Department for Work and Pensions Government departments Vetting

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk