Confidentiality.
Discussion
I'm hoping for a clear cut answer as my employer seems incapable of giving one.
I was hauled into an investigation at work today without prior warning ( subject not really relevant and the result was no further action anyway ) and when advised at the start of the meeting that it was all confidential, I asked them to define the limits of confidentiality and if this also applied to myself, the manager conducting the meeting had no real idea and kept saying that it was a reasonable management request which I continued to dispute.
Simple question is that, as I had no wish to be taken through this meeting process and I was the subject of the whole thing, why should I not be free to discuss this with whomever I choose?
I was hauled into an investigation at work today without prior warning ( subject not really relevant and the result was no further action anyway ) and when advised at the start of the meeting that it was all confidential, I asked them to define the limits of confidentiality and if this also applied to myself, the manager conducting the meeting had no real idea and kept saying that it was a reasonable management request which I continued to dispute.
Simple question is that, as I had no wish to be taken through this meeting process and I was the subject of the whole thing, why should I not be free to discuss this with whomever I choose?
I think you will find you were entitled to know what the meeting was about beforehand, given time to prepare for it and also to have a representative present.
As to confidentiality I'd guess Management would be allowed to discuss amongst themselves but not discuss with other staff as it potentially undermines you. You should keep quiet about it at work (discussion with family would really be expected).
If all's now well I think keeping a low profile would be better than stirring things up. However if they have upset you maybe you can find out more about how the procedure should have occured and tell them if it was to happen again this is what you would expect in future.
As to confidentiality I'd guess Management would be allowed to discuss amongst themselves but not discuss with other staff as it potentially undermines you. You should keep quiet about it at work (discussion with family would really be expected).
If all's now well I think keeping a low profile would be better than stirring things up. However if they have upset you maybe you can find out more about how the procedure should have occured and tell them if it was to happen again this is what you would expect in future.
You post a confidential meeting on t'internet! 
My feeling is that'confidential' is defined by your manager (and maybe you) and not laid down specifically anywhere. If they tell you not to tell anyone else at work and you do then its possibly a discipliary type issue.
I don't think there is a legal definition of confidential in this context - unless it involves info/data about others and woudl fall under the DPA.
I don't think there is a legal definition of confidential in this context - unless it involves info/data about others and woudl fall under the DPA.
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