SW03225 - Information Security: Clear Desk Policy

Customer Members

Customer Members should follow their own organisation’s policy on keeping printed material and computer stored material secure.
 

HMRC Members

Shared Workspace operates a clear desk policy and details of the policy are here.

Many HMRC members deal with sensitive information regarding customer tax affairs or policy details. We have a duty to protect this information and ensure it is not seen by people without the authority to do so.

This means that all working papers printed from Shared Workspace must be cleared from HMRC members desks before they go home. The papers must be stored appropriately and not hidden in books or stowed in post trays or pigeon holes.

The clear desk policy also refers to removable computer media which may contain files downloaded from Shared Workspace, this includes floppy disks, CDs, and memory sticks. Media of this type must also be cleared from HMRC members desks before going home.

It is the personal responsibility of each HMRC member to adhere to this policy and their manager’s responsibility to monitor the adherence of the policy.