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Please note that this insight was first published in November 2018, and therefore whilst the subject matter is still relevant, it may not represent the most up to date information in this area.
Please note that this does not constitute legal advice, but is our interpretation of the law and guidance as it stands in November 2018.
Why do I need to know about information sharing (in 60 seconds)
Information sharing is a key part of our working day, with staff within school routinely sharing information on individuals and groups of children. Schools do not however work in isolation and partner agencies will often approach the school for information about specific children and young people.
As shown by the numerous reports about data breaches that we see in the news, there is greater understanding about the privacy of information and the assumption that this should not be shared. The laws that are in place set out how and when information can be shared but do not prevent it from being shared,. By its very nature safeguarding and child protection are times when information should be shared, but there is need to be clear about whether this is done with or without consent.
Recording of any decision to share or not share information is key, along with the rationale for your decision.
Introduction
A key factor in many serious case reviews is that a good standard of practice has not been in evidence when professionals have been recording, sharing, discussing and analysing information in order to make an assessment of the needs of a child or the risks to the child. Often it is only when information from a number of sources has been shared that it becomes clear that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.
When working with children and vulnerable adults, information sharing is often likened to putting the pieces of a jigsaw together. When pieces are missing this can mean individuals having to say the same thing to multiple people, whilst agencies have an incomplete picture which impacts on the ability of services to support those who need it.
Deciding to share information
Making a decision about whether to share information can be difficult, often there are pressures from other people or agencies to share information, however you need to be sure that you have grounds for sharing the information. There can also be added complications about knowing which information to share and whether the consents that you have in place cover additional information sharing.
Research (2016) shows that decisions about sharing of information can also be impacted on by the views of individuals and matters such as the inherent “rule of optimism”. The impact of this may mean that the need to share information about specific incidents is rationalised out and so the information is not shared. The same research also identifies several other barriers to information sharing:
- concern about the risk of breakdown in the relationship with the family (for example this may be couched in terms of not wanting to break a person’s trust);
- the professional concerned having a lack of confidence about their knowledge and skills in a certain area and this impacting on their decision making;
- concern about potential negative impacts on either themselves and their professional career or the organisation.
As set out in Data Protection: a toolkit for schools:
Fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of promoting the welfare and protecting the safety of children. (p.24)
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