7.12 Confidentiality, information sharing, data protection, and recording principles: an introduction
Confidentiality, information sharing, and data protection may sound like incompatible issues, but they all play important roles in safeguarding.
Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality for everyone connected with a safeguarding concern – the person who reports, alleged victims, witnesses, and the subject of any allegations. Everyone has a right to expect that the information that organisations hold about them will be kept confidential and only shared when there is a valid and legal reason to do so.
What are the core principles?
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Information should only be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis in line with the local data protection laws and that beyond this, confidentiality should be maintained. Wider sharing of information regarding a case can put the victims at risk of further harm.
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True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
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True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Information should be stored in a secure place with access limited to specified people with formal roles in managing safeguarding or disciplinary issues.
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True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Comment
Recording and sharing the right information at the right time is really important. For anyone wanting to report a concern, the use of a standard safeguarding report form is very helpful. This helps those reporting to provide as much relevant information as they can. It also provides a consistent way for information to be recorded and be safely stored by the organisation.
7.11 Pro-active reporting
