Issued on: 28 May 2009
We can confirm that a laptop containing some confidential data of The Pensions Trust’s has been stolen from the Marlow office of our external software providers, NorthgateArinso. The view of the police and NorthgateArinso is that this was an opportunistic theft and that the laptop itself was the thief’s target. NorthgateArinso has assured us that the data was password protected and as such, not easily accessible.
We are in detailed discussions with NorthgateArinso regarding the theft and the police investigation is ongoing. In the meantime we have taken the following steps:
• We have reported the theft to the Information Commissioner and The Pensions Regulator
• We have appointed the services of CIFAS - The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service - to protect all members whose details were contained in the stolen laptop
• We have written to every individual whose details were contained in the stolen laptop and to all the employers who participate in The Pensions Trust’s schemes, apologising on behalf of NorthgateArinso and ourselves, explaining what has happened and outlining the protections we have put in place
• We have set up a helpline for members and employers who wish to discuss this further with The Pensions Trust
Lynda Howe, Chair of Verity Trustees Ltd, said: “NorthgateArinso has expressed their regret that this theft has occurred and investigations are ongoing. I can confirm that The Pensions Trust has now withdrawn access to personal member data from NorthgateArinso and have also instructed them to delete any existing personal member data they hold. We are hopeful that this incident will not have any impact on members but, as a precaution, we have arranged for them to be protected by CIFAS and have set up a members’ helpline.”
For further information, please contact: Ellen Gracey or Sally Ling at GR Communications, Tel: 020 7357 0070