A word from our union

The following is a circular from our union that sums up the main problems we face.  It’s a dangerous place!

Security – Protecting Yourself  II

Dear Colleague,

The purpose of this circular is to remind members of the importance of protecting themselves with regards to security.
Whilst we believe the security measures implemented, such as Bogus Caller Verification1, Clear Desk Policy2 and the Policy Scenario Matrix3 are an over zealous, verging on obsessive, response to the data losses by other Departments and Ministers; we felt it appropriate to remind members of the importance of being vigilant and protecting yourselves. This is because it is likely that even a very minor, one-off or entirely non-intentional breach will result in an attempt to take some form of disciplinary action against you. It is worthwhile noting that the Department believes that “deliberate” means that you did it, rather than you did it on purpose.
Whilst we will vigorously defend members against such action, the safest option you can take is to be cautious in all aspects of security and to take all necessary steps to protect yourselves and make sure what you are doing is correct and complies with the Department’s Security Regime; even if that means you need to take extra time and care to ensure it is correct.
Please familiarise yourselves with the Department’s various security policies and procedures (which are available on the intranet) and the Clear Desk Policy. Your line manager should allow you reasonable time to read these in full.
The Clear Desk Policy places considerable individual responsibility on staff for various security matters; not just for your own individual work or desk, but for the staff and room in its entirety. We believe that this is placing unnecessary pressure and stress on staff (who are already working under considerable pressures and high workloads as a result of Lean4 and headcount reductions); and we would like to remind you of your right to an Individual Stress Risk Assessment5.
We have also witnessed several disciplinary cases where members have sent materials to their home e-mail from the Office and these included claimants’ details. We believe that member should not work for nothing at home. We understand that the Department is short staffed; and there are proposals to cut jobs further. Do not be under the misapprehension that if something goes wrong your employer will take into account the fact you were trying and help out the Department due to the lack of staffing. They will not. They will merely blame you and take disciplinary action against you if something goes wrong.
I hope that you have found this circular useful.
Should you require any further information on these matters, or in fact any other matters, please contact the Branch Office.
Yours sincerely
Branch Deputy Secretary

1 The policy of asking security questions before giving information.
2 Where we have to clear our desks at the end of the day of all paperwork or anything ‘sensitive’. 
3 I’ve no idea!
4 A rediculous short cut policy stolen fromToyota to ‘streamline’ processes (look what happened to them).
5 If you feel stressed you fill a form in and have a chat that alters nothing.