An independent investigation has found no evidence of widespread, routine or systematic monitoring of social media accounts by Bristol City Council staff in relation to Special Educational Needs and disabled children’s services.
The seven-month investigation, conducted by independent reviewer Aileen McColgan KC, examined allegations that council staff had been monitoring the social media activity of parents and carers involved with SEND services. The report drew on evidence from a wide range of contributors including a 2022 investigation report, relevant policies, meeting minutes, subject access requests and interviews with parents and officers.
The investigation found that information on two members of the Bristol Parent Carer Forum had been gathered from publicly available sources in autumn 2021 and spring 2022. However, the report concluded that this did not constitute surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, nor did it breach Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, as there can be no reasonable expectation of privacy when personal information is voluntarily placed in the public domain.
The report also found no evidence of political direction or involvement in the evidence gathering that did take place, and no evidence of staff wrongdoing.
The investigation makes three recommendations focused on ensuring appropriate consideration of surveillance legislation where relevant, strengthening record retention and management, and protecting current and former staff from negative commentary following publication. Officers will consider the recommendations and refer decisions to the relevant committee.
Councillor Christine Townsend, Chair of the Children and Young People policy committee, said: ‘I acknowledge that it has been a difficult period for many involved over the years it has taken to come to this conclusion. I hope that this thorough report helps put minds to rest and can provide people with confidence to continue to work with us on improving services and support for Bristol’s SEND community.
‘Improving these services is ongoing but progress is being made thanks in large part through closer working with the parent carer forum and a much-improved relationship in place that supports the group to provide critical oversight of our ever-improving SEND systems. Our shared priority is to ensure that children and young people with SEND and their families have every opportunity to thrive in a supported environment that recognises their needs. We will continue our keen focus on making the improvements we’ve set out to deliver.’
Photo: Rami Al-zayat
Leave a Reply