ms hope
23-02-2010, 01:55 AM
Do not see how anyone can compare this to Childline, when these were adults :rolleyes:
Ann Widdecombe resigns as patron of National Bullying Helpline
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2010/february/22/ann_widdecombe.aspx?lang=en-gb
Ann Widdecombe has resigned from her position as patron of the anti-bullying charity caught up in a row over claims made by Downing Street staff about Gordon Brown.
The Conservative MP for Maidstone and Weald became patron of the National Bullying Helpline last year, but is unhappy the charity has breached confidentiality with its disclosure that Downing Street staff used its helpline.
Ms Widdecombe had admitted she was "considering her position" but confirmed on Monday night that she was stepping down.
Ms Widdecombe said: "I regret they went public on it. They may not have named names but they have named the workplace. It is just like a priest taking confession and saying he has talked to a murdered - it immediately starts a hare running.
"Whoever contacts a bullying helpline has to be reassured that their details will be kept confidential. I can see that this was done with the best intention but it is putting people in a very, very difficult position."
~ Read the thoughts of our political editor Paul Francis here >>>
She feared with the details now public, Downing Street was likely to start its own investigations into who may have contacted the charity - something that may turn into a witchhunt.
"Anyone who contacts a helpline such as this or Childline has to be feel that nobody will give their information away."
Ms Widdecombe also revealed she was aware of allegations made about potential conflicts of interest within the charity.
Professor Cary Cooper, an expert on workplace stress, and television presenter Sarah Cawood have also quit the charity.
Prof Cooper said: "One of the things that is really important for any helpline or any counselling service is to retain confidentiality of the people calling up," he said.
Monday, February 22 2010
Ann Widdecombe resigns as patron of National Bullying Helpline
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2010/february/22/ann_widdecombe.aspx?lang=en-gb
Ann Widdecombe has resigned from her position as patron of the anti-bullying charity caught up in a row over claims made by Downing Street staff about Gordon Brown.
The Conservative MP for Maidstone and Weald became patron of the National Bullying Helpline last year, but is unhappy the charity has breached confidentiality with its disclosure that Downing Street staff used its helpline.
Ms Widdecombe had admitted she was "considering her position" but confirmed on Monday night that she was stepping down.
Ms Widdecombe said: "I regret they went public on it. They may not have named names but they have named the workplace. It is just like a priest taking confession and saying he has talked to a murdered - it immediately starts a hare running.
"Whoever contacts a bullying helpline has to be reassured that their details will be kept confidential. I can see that this was done with the best intention but it is putting people in a very, very difficult position."
~ Read the thoughts of our political editor Paul Francis here >>>
She feared with the details now public, Downing Street was likely to start its own investigations into who may have contacted the charity - something that may turn into a witchhunt.
"Anyone who contacts a helpline such as this or Childline has to be feel that nobody will give their information away."
Ms Widdecombe also revealed she was aware of allegations made about potential conflicts of interest within the charity.
Professor Cary Cooper, an expert on workplace stress, and television presenter Sarah Cawood have also quit the charity.
Prof Cooper said: "One of the things that is really important for any helpline or any counselling service is to retain confidentiality of the people calling up," he said.
Monday, February 22 2010