Freedom of Information requests about SEEN and Mumsnet

[carpety]

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/laura_brown_4

Dozens of requests to various public sector bodies asking about SEEN Networks and MN posts made by employees.

https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/1hobn9b/seen_network/

"There's been discussion here previously of the Sex Equality and Equity Network (SEEN). I've been using Freedom of Information requests to investigate this group's activities, particularly in the Civil Service (where they seem to have originated), and thought people might be interested in what I've learned."

Seems that this requestor is on a mission to unmask heretics.

At what point does a campaign of targeted, vexatious complaints become harassment and bullying?

Quite

These FOIs potentially look like a doxxing attempt. And possibly stalking.

Some of this looks serious and you wonder how safe SEEN members are, and if their bosses know how to spot the signs of their staff being targeted

Hypothetically speaking, if a Government body employee was stalking / harassing / bullying other employees in the same Government body via FOI requests, would that be in breach of an employment contract?

Yes. Are SEEN aware of this, does anyone know?

@Hoardasurass
This one has the MN usernames:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/mumsnet_posts_by_hmrc_employees#incoming-2767010
See her correspondence of 11 Sept 24.

We have, dear Vipers, also earned ourselves a new soubriquet - a true charmer on the Reddit thread has described us as 'the harpies of mumsnet [sic]' and linked to this thread <waves gaily>

A harpy is defined, aside from the mythical being, as 'a cruel, unpleasant woman who shouts a lot'
Gendered insult, much? At least whoever it is knows what a woman is really.

And something else to add to the menagerie of snakes and dinosaurs. .

Coming back to this. That post isn't from a rational adult. That's teenage talk with the added frisson of "shocking the mummies".

Has anyone reported it?

HMRC response;

Our response
We do not hold the information requested. HMRC does not have a profile on Mumsnet and
does not monitor any activities carried by its employees (or those purporting as employees)
in their spare time.

By 'purporting' are they implying TRAs?

Let's not report it. Let it stand in all its glory.

I read it that just because someone claims to be an HMRC employee on MN doesn't mean they are.

Good common sense by the FOI team.

Harpy of Mumsnet needs to go on a mug.

Idly wonders whether that post complies with their social media guidelines? Presumably as Mumsnet is monitored so closely by the "bored in a basement" lot, if this is a fake username, they'll be straight on to MNHQ.

Potentially, Departments have Bullying and Harassment policies and targeting of colleagues could lead to grievances and disciplinary action. The latter can ultimately result in dismissal - very rare but does happen.

Probably hoping one of the posters puts a complaint in about the relentless FOIs and outs themselves.

The Harpies were deadly, just an observation for the silly spies.

Well, I for one, would like to see any and all vile abuse sent in from “allies” and TRAs. Also perhaps any death threats, rape threats, general threats, etc received from same. Oh, how about unsubstantiated complaints and demands for disciplinary action against those who know sex is real and matters… Could be a great way to keep boredom at bay?!?

The Reddit thread links to this report on draft guidance regarding toilets. https://www.vice.com/en/article/leaked-document-exposes-transphobic-draft-guidelines-for-uk-civil-servants/

It’s not good as it uses the Haldene stance of those with a GRC can use toilets of their new gender. But those without a GRC must use the toilets of their sex recorded at birth. Yet this is seen as transphobic.

Thanks for proving that your requests are 'vexatious', I'm sure it will come in handy further down the line. 😊

MNHQ frequently point out (admittedly, mostly on other boards) that this is an anonymous forum and users of the forum should hold in mind that the veracity of posts and posters is not known.

On Mumsnet, anyone can claim to be anyone and have experienced anything. Because of this, it is ridiculous to think that any well run organisation would spend time monitoring what is being posted. They would be better off simply pointing out that all readers/users of the forum should be judicious and apply reasoning and sense to what they read. This can be accompanied with guidance to look at their own website and policies to get an understanding of how they operate.

I think many of the overzealous FOI'ers are likely to be members of society who have personality issues linked to emotional instability and narcissism. It's amazing how much time and energy can be expended when dealing with people with these traits. They need a very different approach to those with stable personalities.

That would be quite amusing if ‘LauraBrownSheHer’ thinks any of us are that stupid.

Now what was that comment on the Reddit thread? Something about Dunning and Kruger?

I am glad to be spared the picture of 'Laura's fanny, but for the sake of the world at large am hoping that she's American rather than British.

It is a bit shocking that she's found out about the wearing navy blue thing (and I repeat that is really is not compatible with owning a friendly white dog).

There is a person of that name with said pronouns working at one of those agencies but they wouldn't be so [redacted] as to put their own name out there surely?

I resent the suggestion I am not personally monitoring MN posts daily for WrongThink. I run a tight ship, thank you.

Oh what a surprise that it's a Ben hunte article @Harassedevictee.
I loved the quote from the fox killer claiming that the guidance on single sex spaces is illegal and runs contrary to the equality act 🤣🤣 guess he didn't read the haldane judgment.

What the chuff is a 'transphobic near miss' when it is at home?

I can't believe, actually I can, that the health and safety near miss process is being used in this way.