Privacy in the work place

GT60

The charity I volunteer has CCTV in the building and the CEO is using it to spy on the staff and volunteers.
There is No signs saying CCTV in progress or it is being viewed remotely.
Is this legal?
Thanks

comeandgo

In what way spy?  I’ve worked in places where cameras are placed watching cash tills, staff or customers but we’ve always known they were there and recording.

tafelmoneysaver

For the best view of what is legal or not, read this guide: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection-1998/encryption/scenarios/cctv/

GT60

comeandgo said:

In what way spy?  I’ve worked in places where cameras are placed watching cash tills, staff or customers but we’ve always known they were there and recording.

This is just an open dining area no cash or anything involved and certainly no reasonable reason to spy / check the CCTV remotely.whislt open and in real time.

Diamandis

They should have a reason for monitoring by CCTV. 

https://archive.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5721

Marcon

GT60 said:

The charity I volunteer has CCTV in the building and the CEO is using it to spy on the staff and volunteers.
There is No signs saying CCTV in progress or it is being viewed remotely.
Is this legal?
Thanks

Why use such an emotive term as 'spy' ? What are you worried the CEO might see?

elsien

How do you know the CEO is using it to watch staff and volunteers?
Has someone been spotted doing something they shouldn’t have been? 

GT60

When they phone up a staff member and ask petty questions about why a vol isn't doing something etc.
Can't really go into detail but trust me it is spying on staff for no good reason except  control.

Croeso69

GT60 said:

When they phone up a staff member and ask petty questions about why a vol isn't doing something etc.
Can't really go into detail but trust me it is spying on staff for no good reason except  control.

I suppose if you are not happy, you could just walk as it isnt a paying job. Thats what I would do if I felt that way. I guess there is no shortage of places looking for volunteers?

AskAsk

does seem odd to have CCTV unless there is a reason to do so as it won't be cost effective!  however, as it is a public place, unlike the toilets for example, i would expect the employer can put CCTV any where they want.  they may claim it is for security reasons, to protect the building in general.

for example, some hotels have CCTV in their corridors for security reasons.

Marcon

GT60 said:

When they phone up a staff member and ask petty questions about why a vol isn't doing something etc.
Can't really go into detail but trust me it is spying on staff for no good reason except  control.

Seems reasonable enough. As a volunteer you aren't likely to be party to management processes and decision taking, so you won't know the background. Monitoring staff and controlling their activities is a legitimate function of management.