Data transfer - data capture

A distinctive feature of discourse within the HPC is 'data capture'. The organisation is structured around a data-base, and 'data capture' is indeed part of computer-geek-speak. Thanks to the essential work of Max Weber, we don't have to be naive about this expansionist, aggressive, and powerful discourse.

To mistake the HPC for an entity without its own desire might have been Ian Kennedy's folly, but the rest of us don't need to be so daft - especially with the benefit of hindsight.

The HPC stands to gain at least £4m a year in registrant fees by taking on the counsellors and psychotherapists. Sometimes they estimate that this could even be double: £8m a year. No wonder it wants to 'capture' the data. It will allow HPC to send automated invoices, and to follow those invoices with automated legal threats to chuck you in the clink for non-payment and take away your livlihood.

Some of the existing professional organisations have already taken precautions and are restructuring their own membership registers to reflect the objections of those of their members who cannot in all good conscience sign up to the HPC. People must act now to avoid their data being transferred without their permission.

If no special action is taken, then the data is automatically transferred by power of law on the date specified in any future section 60 order. If the professional decides against taking up the possibility of HPC registration their data remains on the database at the HPC 'just in case'. See the letter from Michael Guthrie to Andrew Samuels below.

Power without responsibility, oooh, it is a terrible thing.