Well, that was quick: OS responds to FOI re international expert; mystery deepens (if that’s possible)
Following yesterday’s – yesterday’s! – questions to the Ordnance Survey about the identity of the international expert, we’ve had a response.
Here it is (emphasis added):
Thank you for your email dated 30 July 2009 requesting: the following information regarding the internationally recognised expert in Geographical Information and National Mapping, which I believe does not identify them personally.
We are pleased to provide you with the following information with regard to your request.
1) Does the “internationally recognised expert” work in a full-time or continuous part-time capacity for Ordnance Survey? – No.
2) If the answer to (1) is no, was the person formally commissioned on a contract basis by OS to review its study? – No.
3) If the answer to (1) and (2) is no, on what remunerative basis did the person review the study? – None.
So the international expert isn’t employed on any basis by OS, and reviewed the study for free.
Now I’m really fascinated. Who is this person? Why would they review this study for nothing? (Remember, we’ve ruled out Steven Feldman, Max Craglia and Robin McLaren.
Remember the definition: an “internationally recognised expert in Geographical Information and National Mapping”. More candidates, please. Or suggestions on how we can narrow their identity down further – while noting that they don’t want to be identified.
- The following posts may be related...(the database guesses):
- ..but we're just as quick: more questions re the international man (or woman) of mystery (31 July 2009; score: 93.75%)
- That international consultant and man of mystery is... (updated) (23 July 2009; score: 57.52%)
- International man/woman of mystery is: international; from an NMA (3 August 2009; score: 55.93%)
- Locus trade association responds to Free Our Data (4 April 2006; score: 41.59%)
- OS expert isn't Max Craglia either... so who is it? (10 July 2009; score: 39.83%)
July 31st, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Further questions to be put to the OS
Is…
4) the “internationally recognised expert (a) British or (b) a foreign national
5) Is he or she a (a) currently employed in an academic institution, (b) employed in industry, (c) emplyed in UK government department,or a UK government agency or trading fund. If so, which institution, business/fund or arm of Government?
6) A retired from any of those listed in (5).
7) Ever been employed by the Ordnance Survey (or a foreign NMA)?
You can run but you cannot hide!
July 31st, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I would be tempted to just ask which field/area he works in (geography, history etc), in what type of sector (education, private, public) and in what kind of role (employed, consultant, private business etc). The above will give nothing personal away and will go some way to showing the kind of ‘experience’ the person has.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:35 pm
You could ask if he/she is in fact ‘make-believe’
July 31st, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Can you appeal the personal information exemption.
The ICO as recently updated guidance on the use of section 40 exemption.
http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/freedom_of_information/detailed_specialist_guides/personal_information.pdf
The flow chart on page 12 is key, there is a legitimate public interest in knowing the name of the individual and there is no harm as we are only asking for their name.
July 31st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Sounds a lot like the profile of a wikipedia contributor..
July 31st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
How about trying these lines of enquiry next:
1. Is the international expert:
– Animal;
– vegetable, or;
– mineral?
2. Is their work usually presented in book, film or play form?
July 31st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
4) Can you elborate? – No.
July 31st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
This is just the type of game the late great Kenneth Williams would have been brilliant at..
“Tonight from London it’s time for What’s My Line” !
July 31st, 2009 at 7:34 pm
is it Ed Parsons?