A writer in York just sent us this case of a volunteer being asked about her housemates:

'I recently offered to help write some newsletters for the local police here in York. The volunteer manager was very keen for me to help an existing communications person generate content and so on, most likely working from home.

When it came to the paperwork, the volunteer manager asked me if I lived on my own. I said No, I have 2 housemates. Oh, she said, I'll need their details. Shocked, I said there was no way I would divulge the details of people who had no connection whatever to any voluntary work I do. She grew defensive and told me it was for my own 'safety', going on to say that my housemates may have criminal records - presumably implying that she intended to run checks on them without their - or my - consent.

I was utterly appalled. I wonder if what she was proposing was even lawful...?'