“I was pleased to be able to attend a telephone appointment today with Mr.Idara, however, I was not pleased that my adviser should be the one with knowledge of my financial affairs, I would far have preferred an unknown (to me), third party (to whom I was previously also unknown), who was versed in such matters as the Data Protection Act and acting in it’s accordance, I believe that behaving otherwise may contravene (at least the spirit of), the Data Protection Act (for instance I pay subs to UNITE Community once a year) . It is for this reason (and this reason alone), that I now request that I be allocated an adviser other than Mr.Idara from this point onwards. I also hope that U.C will feel able to respond to my criticisms asap.” This my most recent post to my Universal Credit journal.
Idara told me that they were only doing an I.D check but asked me specific details about specific purchases and withdrawals …I recently underwent “enhanced review” and had to present all my bank statements for the last three months and a host of other stuff…all an I.D check…I really objected to the way I was interrogated today…they’ve had the kitchen sink what more are they after? They swear they won’t use the information…but “ahem” he’s my U.C claim adviser!!! Sorry???
"Hi Gerard,
Thank you for your journal message. I have read your concerns regarding the confidentiality of your financial information. To enable us to conduct an accurate review of your circumstances we must see complete four months bank statements and as well ask questions about the transactions on it. As you are a recipient of Universal Credit, you are required to provide information when it is requested to verify your entitlement. Please see the DWP Personal information charter which can be found on https://gov.uk. (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
Your information which you provide is managed securely in accordance with GDPR and is treated with dignity and discretion. The information is only available to the staff who are conducting the review and their managers. Kindly note that your information would not remain permanently on the to-dos.
I hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Idara.
Quote; “Your information which you provide is managed securely in accordance with GDPR and is treated with dignity and discretion. The information is only available to the staff who are conducting the review and their managers”
Nevertheless if these same staff are those routinely dealing with the client’s case I feel it is totally inappropriate for these staff to be aware of any of the personal transactions of their clients. I have no right to know what theirs are. In such cases surely the review should be carried out by specific members of the staff*, staff who do not otherwise interact with clients and staff who do not communicate any of the specifics of the information they are party to to anyone else? Mr.Idara informed me that my information was for I.D purposes only (conversation recorded), how can this be the case if those dealing with my case are also aware of my affairs? I am seeking further advice on this subject and would very kindly ask that U.C respect my wishes and hand my case over to someone who is not (and will not be), party to any of the specifics of my financial affairs. I also question the necessity of asking questions about specific transactions of clients.
May I ask U.C what the procedure is for taking up such matters with the senior administration?"
Gerard
*Or another agency/governmental branch with its own security protocols and legal obligations.
