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Dept of Health

Answer

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place (a) to check the criminal records of civil servants in his Department and agencies responsible to his Department 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. [194602] Ms Rosie Winterton: All departmental staff are subject to, at least, the basic security check, which includes criminal records. There is clear personnel guidance requiring staff to inform their line manager and human resources (HR) team if civil action is being taken against them or if they are arrested on any charge or served with a summons on a criminal charge. Staff who are subsequently convicted must also report this to their line manager and HR team. Staff are also advised that a prosecution action taken against them, whether successful or not, may affect their employment with the Department. The departmental security unit (DHSU) provides guidance to all staff on information technology (IT) and general security. This includes the need to protect all official information and the IT Misuse Policy. Security policy, principles and guidance are based upon the Manual of Protective Security, published by Cabinet Office. Staff are reminded that they are all responsible for security and that the compromise of information, either deliberately or through carelessness, is treated very seriously and may result in disciplinary action. Physical and IT controls prevent staff having unauthorised access to confidential information. DHSU take regular action to raise staff awareness of security issues, including information security.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

194602; 426 c388-9W;426 c388W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Data protection Databases Criminal records Civil servants Government departments Vetting Department of Health

Link

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