sorry Tc but depoel must have spent months researching before they started. which was last summer. to think they don’t already know our concerns is naive
to sit and do nothing is just foolish
you keep this in your prospective and ill keep it in mine
to sit and do nothing is just foolish
Agreed!!!
Thats why I and Rikki have personaly spoken to senior people from this company! and I can assure you we did not go to the pain of writing and spending quite a long time talking on the telephone for the goodness of our health!
If what you are saying is right
depoel must have spent months researching before they started. which was last summer.
9 months and nothing has happend, One day and TruckNet have at the very least got this company to attempt to answer all our members concerns.
I would have thought The very least you can do is listen to the reply that this company has promised to give.
YES but i am sorry i do not like there method of procurment of all
those details, and so i wish to ensure that they realise on a point
from me personnely i do not and will not give my permission to do
a GEORGE ORWELL with my personneldata records and I have so
informened this company of this fact, NOW it is up to them to act
as i belive they will now have found out many people who before
because of not being informened about this will now react with
there answers to the problem .
From what I can see, they are doing a very similar job to a Credit Reference Agency.
I suspect that it is all completely legal (as long as the agencies which supply the data have their employees permission, which is probably in the contract of employment). Whether it is right is up for debate.
Let’s face it, at least they are actively trying to respond, rather than just ignoring everyone. Let’s give them a fair hearing first.
This thread requires support from all drivers,
I have posted link on my forum for drivers to come and read what is happening .
and offer any help to TruckNet UK in support .
Let’s face it, at least they are actively trying to respond, rather than just ignoring everyone. Let’s give them a fair hearing first
To be fair to de Poel, they have spoken to both TC and me, and are willing to address concerns raised here, also they are willing to hear how we as drivers feel their scheme should be adapted…
I have told them I think the whole idea is repugnant, but I have promised them that we all will respond without personal attacks on any individual or the company (any that are posted will be edited).
This is YOUR opportunity to state your views/concerns/outrage/happiness over this database. As I posted earlier the transport printed media are following up this story, as well as the department of Trade and Industry and the Employment Agencies industry representative body.
One thing for those who are not Agency drivers…
If this scheme takes off for Agency drivers, how long before some bright spark decides to create a database for all HGV drivers, so prospective employers can check details on all of us?? This affects every one of us, if you dont have your input now, dont complain when you show up on this or another similar database in a few years time, Go to the USA forums ( truck.net/bbsmain ) and do a search for DAC and see just how bad that can be
Via this thread YOU have chance to be heard, either take this opportunity … …or ignore it and live with the consequences later … 
My concern is that unknown details of potentially dubious quality are being stored by a company of dubious repute.
Any company of good repute would have set a cost at the DPA limit of £10, not used the system to take 150% more, if de pool are willing to manipulate the system to gain an extra £15 what else are they prepared to manipulate & exploit ?.
I should be able to find out who is holding information on me & from whom they obtained it without spending money.
De pool as the people obtaining information from the original source, (& can we be sure all this information is recieved from the original source ?.) surely have a moral duty, & at the very least moral duty, to contact the people they hold information on. It is totally repugnant that they feel it is acceptable to assume the company from whom they obtained the information is the only person with a moral or legal obligation to inform the victim.
Thanks to all who have raised this issue reading this post has opened my eyes a little. I am awaiting a return call from the agency I work for to assure me they do not use the services of this company. I think any questions I would have are already covered in the points raised by other members, and look forward to the responce from De Poel who to there credit have agreed to discuss with ourselves the concerns we have.
de Poel:
Dear all,Below is a list of questions that we have gathered so far from your discussion.
Additional questions for which you would like a response can be submitted until 10.00 am Monday the 21st of February.We will post a questions and answer sheet covering all issues raised on Tuesday the 22nd of February.
· When was the database started?
· Are their any other similar databases on the market?
· What is the charge for data information requests?
· What is the name and contact details of the data protection officer?
· Are drivers informed that their details will be entered on to the system?
· How is permission gained to input an individual’s details on the system?
· What information is stored on the system?
· How is the information protected?
· What safe guards are in place to ensure the information is correct?
· What are the legal obligations to ensure the information is accurate?
· Who is the information shared with?
· What information is shared between agencies and their clients and
agencies and other agencies?
· Would driver information be released to any company who requested it?
· How does de Poel ensure that drivers understand the implications of
their details being placed on the system?
· How do we ensure that the information contain on the system is
compliant with data protection?
· How does de Poel ensure that agency drivers’ details are not released
against their wishes?
· What happens if a driver leaves an agency?
· What would happen is an online job club joins the database?
· Would the agency worker been informed of any such “incidents” placed
on their file?
· What additional information can be added to incidents, do this include if
the driver was blameworthy?
· Would a driver be able to contest incorrectly entered incident information
I am sorry, but your above post looks very much like a marketing sheet to me, I do not believe that many of the questions you have posted are ones that have actually been asked by members on Trucknetuk.
As has been said, you still have not informed us of who your data protection officer is? I received a letter from you this morning, and it did not contain the name of the said officer either. Are you trying to hide someting? If not then why not let us have the name of that person so we can contact them directly?
You are blantly flouting the data protection act, and I also think you may also be infringing on the European Human Rights, which states we all have the right to security, I think your database may infringe that security!!!
ARTICLE 8
- Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.
Taken from European Convention on Human Rights and its Five Protocols
MrFlibble:
From what I can see, they are doing a very similar job to a Credit Reference Agency.I suspect that it is all completely legal (as long as the agencies which supply the data have their employees permission, which is probably in the contract of employment). Whether it is right is up for debate.
Let’s face it, at least they are actively trying to respond, rather than just ignoring everyone. Let’s give them a fair hearing first.
may be it is time for us lot to look at the small print on the contracts of employment that the agencys give us when we sign up
brummie:
Nevertheless, any Agency wishing to place drivers into any TNT depot have to register with De Poel. Why? I haven’t got a clue! What information the agency has to provide, I don’t know either. If you’re an agency driver, ask not to be sent to TNT.
I have no idea if the situation with TNT is the same but before last Xmas my company, Exel, made a policy decision to use 1 agency before any others as they where the prefered partner. Now I can’t remember the name of the prefered partner, and I’m also aware that I would have trouble proving the next comment, but they tried to get those agencies who were supplying our depot to send people in via them at a reduced rate. Needless to say few of those played along and it soon became apparent that the prefered partner did not have the staff to fulfill the demands of our depot.
The upshot was they were kicked out and we had to go back to our usual agencies, with a big portion of humble pie, to meet the demands of the season.
If de Poel are the prefered partner for TNT then I suspect they may not have the staff on their own books, from the web site it would not appear that they are an agency in the form that many of us might recognise, and are in effect an agency for agencies.
I think most of us want bad drivers out of this industry. So a database with info of drivers who have lost thier licence or have a reputation of causing thousands of pounds worth of damage maybe ok.
Provided safeguards are there to protect drivers from false accusations or being blacklisted because they fell out with a company over something that was justifiable, such as not getting paid or refusing to take work because the company they were sent to where running bent or operating dangerous trucks etc.
I think we should also give De Poel some credit for signing up here and being willing to answer questions. It would be nice to see a few hauliers or RDC operators or even Unions representative following thier lead.
As they appear willing to listen, then sensible discussion might get us further then leaping off the deep end into a massive slanging match.
Agreed Muckles!
At last someone that can see past their nose! 
muckles:
I think most of us want bad drivers out of this industry. So a database with info of drivers who have lost thier licence or have a reputation of causing thousands of pounds worth of damage maybe ok.Provided safeguards are there to protect drivers from false accusations or being blacklisted because they fell out with a company over something that was justifiable, such as not getting paid or refusing to take work because the company they were sent to where running bent or operating dangerous trucks etc.
I think we should also give De Poel some credit for signing up here and being willing to answer questions. It would be nice to see a few hauliers or RDC operators or even Unions representative following thier lead.
As they appear willing to listen, then sensible discussion might get us further then leaping off the deep end into a massive slanging match.
The DVLA already run a scheme where a drivers licence can be checked via phone or fax, the driver has to give his permission for this. I know of one agency I have worked for who did this. I have also used this system whilst working as a TM. This is avaliable to all who want to use it, it is far more accurate then De poels system as the info is first hand information, not second or third hand info. The DVLA’s system is the one that should be used as it is factual not based on peoples oppinions as is the De Poel system.
I am sorry but until I see the answers from De Poel I will not be happy, And I think that they are unlikely to supply the answers I would want to quell my fears about their system.
I still think their system is an invasion of my privacy and will not be happy until I see the system scrapped.
Whatever happend to innocent until proved guilty, the De Poel system would mean you were Guilty until you paid the £25 to get your details, and then would no doubt have to fight to get the information erased, and I suspect they would not refund the £25 (please correct me if I am wrong De Poel!!).
I am actually disgusted that this system is allowed, do nurses, doctors, teachers or other professionals have such information held about them without their knowledge? No, of course not, If it was then they would be out on strike in a millisecond, I feel De Poel are a disgraceful company for implementing such a system (personal view of the company not an individual).
Rikki-UK:
[
To be fair to de Poel, they have spoken to both TC and me, and are willing to address concerns raised here, also they are willing to hear how we as drivers feel their scheme should be adapted…
Here’s an idea…
SCRAP IT
THANK YOU TC O WISE ONE
we must have fogot our place, please forgive us. we knoew not wot we do
oops:
smcaul wrote
I am actually disgusted that this system is allowed, do nurses, doctors, teachers or other professionals have such information held about them without their knowledge?
There are data bases held on certain groups, I know of one used for those who work with children were the details are not available to you (even for £25.)
Also how would you like your details to be freely available to anyone who cares to look ?. This taken from the Nursing & Midwifery Council. Nurses & Midwives pay for their own registration & regulation & this includes having their details being made freely available.
The Register
The new Register is now openAll nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses who wish to practise in the UK must be on the NMC register. This section of the website allows you to check whether someone is on the register by entering their name and/or PIN number (if known).
This service is available to everyone. You do not need a special account, user name or password details.
I have no problems with details being held but De Poel has proven its self unprofessional & unethical, they have made no effort to check details, contact any of those they hold details on, make it possible to gain information on yourself at or below the £10 set by the DPA, or make it possible to easily challenge information held.
The fact that De Poel has twisted the rules to suit themselves & increase profitability over ethics proves their unsuitability to carry on this business.
After raising my concerns about this with the agency I work for I received an email last night from the Managing Director of the agency, with full assurance that they do not, and never will use this type of service, they will only ever deal directly with there own client, and not work with any other agency. It was stated that my licence details, and the references I gave on joining the company are made available to clients on request, this I can live with, and feel reassured that the MD took the time over the weekend to answer my concerns.
That is good news , it shows that at least one agency respects and
will not abuse the privilege of holding personnel details of those
whom it employs. WELL DONE TO YOUR AGENCY:::: :
There is no where on this system where a driver can challenge any of the information placed in it.
If a member of staff of an agency decides he doesnt like you he can simply and easily place a "negative answer to the “Employ” question, and any other agency subscribing to the system will have doubts about giving you work…
AND YOU HAVE NO MEANS TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION…
That is a very big worry, if you upset the spotty oik in the office, there is nothing to stop him submitting a false report! 
One particular kind of information that a person may understandably want to keep confidential is that relating to a past criminal conviction. On the other hand, other people may have a legitimate need to know about previous convictions so as to protect vulnerable people. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allows people to start with a clean slate after they have paid their debt to society, but provides for exceptions to this general principle.
Employers often wish to ask questions about a potential employee’s previous convictions. The general rule under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 is that you can treat such questions as not relating to spent convictions - provided that you are not within the Act’s excepted professions, occupations or offices. Therefore if you decide not to disclose a spent conviction you cannot be denied employment or subsequently dismissed on the ground that you failed to disclose it. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may be prosecuted for the criminal offence of ‘obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception’. Likewise, failing to disclose a spent conviction is not a lawful ground for excluding you from any office or profession. Nor can a spent conviction be a lawful ground for prejudicing you in the way you are treated in an occupation or employment.
If, therefore, you are excluded or dismissed from employment on the grounds of a spent conviction, you may be able to take the matter to a court or to an industrial tribunal. However, you should first seek legal advice.
It has also been shown that a significant number of employers have been adopting a practice of asking prospective or existing employees to obtain a copy of their criminal record pursuant to their rights under the Data Protection legislation , which allows people to see records about themselves. There was concern that this type of indirect access of employers to personal information - known as enforced subject access - avoided the safeguards intended by the Data Protection legislation and resulted in persons disclosing information to potential employers about spent convictions in circumstances where such information need not have been disclosed.
Access to criminal records for employment purposes has now been formalised in a statutory framework set up by the Police Act 1997 . The new system involves a centralised procedure for criminal record checks for employment-related and voluntary appointment purposes. All checks are to be carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau - due to be fully operational in summer 2002 - and can only be applied for with the knowledge and consent of the person who is the subject of the check. Each application will require payment of a fee. If you are required to make such an application, you should also find out who will be responsible for payment of this fee, yourself or the potential employer. The Criminal Records Bureau will then carry out the check by examining various databases and then issue one of three types of certificates, depending upon the nature of the check required. This in turn will depend upon the nature of the employment or voluntary appointment for which the person is applying
There are issues here that I think are relevant.
I gathered the above posts from here http://www.yourrights.org.uk/index.shtml
I do agree that there should be some kind of checks but these should be run along the lines of a criminal record check.
Paul@midway will confirm the procedure taken for aviation security. The company I was vetted by is Disclosures in Scotland. for a fee they run a check on the information you give them, they also carry out further checks and confirm this with a certificate, it excludes spent convictions in most cases.
If these checks are any good, they would have discovered my GP, Harold Shipman was up to his old tricks, and the jobbing builder who did my patio was called Fred West