Has my confidentiality been breached by my employer?

[Abracadabra123]

Long story but please bear with it, I really could use some advice...

I work in an industry that has it's own governing body I was recently referred to this governing body by a member of the public who wasn't happy with my actions following an incident- this was investigated by my employer and no further action taken. The governing body obviously contacted my immediate employer and part of the process involved getting further information about how I do my job. My manager sent details about my work to the governing body....understandable and warranted in the interests of assessing the referral. However, my manager also sent detailed information about private discussions I have had with her including information regarding my Son and Grandsons illnesses and family situation. I feel that this has breached my confidentiality and I am now concerned that I cannot tell her anything because I don't believe she would handle the information in an appropriate manner. I am really upset that details about my family's health and situation has been given out by my manager in such a way. I have spoken to my union rep who doesn't seem too concerned but even if these issues were affecting my work surely my manager should have put something like "has some personal and family issues" rather than divulging what I feel is very sensitive information that I have discussed with her in confidence. The governing body ruled that there was no case to answer and the member of the public's complaint has been dismissed by the way. Can anyone give me some information about what rights I have and what course of action I can take about this please?

Thanks in advance, a very upset Abracadabra123

[seduraed]

Re: Has my confidentiality been breached by my employer?

Welcome to LB. I sure some knowledgeable beagles will be along shortly.
In my view yes there has been breach of confidentiality. Your family situation is only relevant if it affects your work, or if it was related to your actions when the complaint was made.
I wonder if the Information Commissioners Office, is the place to go?
What I would do first is raise formal grievance with you company and see where it goes from there. Ask the governing body if they can destroy the data they hold on your family as it is not relevant to the complaint.

[nemesis45]

Re: Has my confidentiality been breached by my employer?

I think you are right seduraed, a phone call to the ICO will be very useful.

nem

[Abracadabra123]

Re: Has my confidentiality been breached by my employer?

Hi, thanks for your reply, the governing body has dismissed the complaint and informed me that no information of the complaint will be held against my registration with them so that is a relief. The issue is that I believe the way my manager handled the sharing of my information was disproportionate to the complaint made against me and that irrelevant information which was given in confidence has been shared. I don't know if I'm being oversensitive about it or if is a demonstrable breach. I don't want to go off half cocked (for want of a better idiom) as I have to still work under this manager but I don't want her to get away with this and maybe do the same to someone else.