May 24, 2017
Data threat hurdle in social investment strategy
The Government is putting off its demand that social service providers give it individual client level data until a new data protection and use policy is in place.
The policy was supposed to kick in with new contracts in July, but was widely opposed in the sector by groups who said it would threaten the trust relationship they have with vulnerable clients such as victims of sexual abuse.
Social Investment Minister Amy Adams and Minister for Children Anne Tolley says the Social Investment Agency will work with Statistics New Zealand and NGOs including iwi and Pasifika representatives to agree on an approach to increasing the availability of data in a way that is scalable, and builds and maintains trust and confidence.
They defended the social investment policy, which they say is about intervening earlier to help change lives for the better.
An advisory group to oversee the working group will include several government of agencies, as well as the Government Chief Information Officer, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, and independent data consultants.
The working group will provide advice on the collection and use of data from a client and provider perspective, including privacy issues, as well as how providers can access data and use the results to improve their services. It will also look at what support and training the sector will need, and it will oversee ongoing engagement.
The advisory group will ensure that appropriate security and privacy assessments are completed. It will also identify and approve risk mitigation, and develop and oversee engagement with key partners.
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