Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

[Inca]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

Nothing stopping the OP looking for the cameras in the 'private' areas,,unless MI5 put them in most cameras can be located

[calmancool]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

Ok, all comments are really helpful and calmed me downto be logical? I must point out I have worked for this gentleman for years and felt there was a bond of trust? However I agree that to detect any abuse or wrongdoing a camera in communal areas or his bedroom is completely legitimate, I consider myself to be highly professional in my job, I always without exception treat anyone I care for with respect and dignity. This gentleman is capable of telling one of many people including close family, carers, friends, also day centre staff if he is uncomfortable with any aspect of his care, as he has with previous employees.
My shift has just finished and I decided to be honest with him and said I had accidentally noticed the camera, his main concern was his father finding out that due too him leaving it on, a staff member knows about the cameras, he is always in fear of his dad chastising him dispite being 40?
I said that I was concerned about which areas were being covered due to privacy for changing etc. he quickly said there was only 1 camera and it was in his room, but unfortunately I know from just glancing at the screen that the main picture he was viewing was his room but beneath in smaller squares I'm assuming u can choose were various other pictures, I recognized furniture etc, 6 squares in total. I did not want to push it after this as he still has vulnerabilities that I done wish to take advantage of. I feel the responsibility lies with his parents who do all the decision making.

[wales01man]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

as you found they were not telling all about location of cameras most people would wonder why you decision of course but something to ne seems wrong here?

[calmancool]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

Sorry I don't quite understand what you mean when you said 'most people would wonder my decision?' I think I shall speak too acas and possibly the cab, before bringing it up at the staff meeting as I don't want to give the impression that I am not supportive of security measures but need proof of some sort that I am not being recorded or watched whilst in private areas. Not sure what else I can do? Which other governing body would know the legalities of private work places and permitted camera use?

[wales01man]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

I meant most people would wonder why the cameras were where they are. Your decision was meaning you have to decide what to do about it.I for one would seek advice from ACAS or even the police

[charitynjw]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

Sorry I don't quite understand what you mean when you said 'most people would wonder my decision?' I think I shall speak too acas and possibly the cab, before bringing it up at the staff meeting as I don't want to give the impression that I am not supportive of security measures but need proof of some sort that I am not being recorded or watched whilst in private areas. Not sure what else I can do? Which other governing body would know the legalities of private work places and permitted camera use?

The ICO (See post #7 above)

[CleverClogs]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

My shift has just finished and I decided to be honest with him and said I had accidentally noticed the camera, his main concern was his father finding out that due too him leaving it on, a staff member knows about the cameras, he is always in fear of his dad chastising him despite being 40?

This gets worse. Now it seems he's physically abused.

I said that I was concerned about which areas were being covered due to privacy for changing etc. he quickly said there was only 1 camera and it was in his room, but unfortunately I know from just glancing at the screen that the main picture he was viewing was his room but beneath in smaller squares I'm assuming u can choose were various other pictures, I recognized furniture etc, 6 squares in total. I did not want to push it after this as he still has vulnerabilities that I done wish to take advantage of. I feel the responsibility lies with his parents who do all the decision making.

So just how did you start working for the Addams family?

[bluebottle]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

You need to speak to the ICO about covert surveillance of employees in the workplace.

The ICO has laid down fairly plain and straightforward guidance for employers. http://www.ico.org.uk/Global/faqs/~/...code.ashx#p=12

[calmancool]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

I must be clear in that in all the years of working for this gentleman I have never heard seen or suspected any physical abuse or other wise, or I would immediately report to the relevant authorities? When I said chastised I mean his father is quite strict and expects certain standards as an ex military man I think? But it is a verbal thing, I don't agree necessarily with his way of talking too his son sometimes but he does not shout swear or belittle? It is a sense of frustration that I can leave at work, but it can be difficult at times too give someone the opportunities for independence and respect their choices when it can on occasion be a complete waste as there is a dependence.

[charitynjw]

Re: Cameras in close carers job work place, never informed?! Help!

Hi calmancool,

I think you now need to take some time out & decide what, if anything, you are going to do about this.

It is pointless agonising over it; be true to your chosen name & make your mind up!