Information sharing and partnership working are critical to effective safeguarding, however, we also have a responsibility to ensure that where appropriate, confidentiality is maintained and that data protection requirements are upheld.

Sharing information with other organisations

At this point, it is worth returning to the “Spectrum of Safeguarding.

When we are below the statutory threshold (or to the left in the diagram above) we must have informed consent if we are going to share information with another organisation.

By informed consent, we mean that the person giving consent understands:

1. What information is going to be shared
2. Who the information will be shared with
3. Why the information is being shared

Once we cross the statutory threshold, we do not require consent as we have a legal duty to share that information with either Children’s Social Care or the Police. The legal duty does NOT extend to other organisations

Usually, the parent is notified that the DSL will be sharing the information, however, they are told what will happen and why; they are not being asked for permission. There are, however, some exceptions. We would not inform the parents that the referral is being made if:

• Doing so would place a child at increased risk of harm
• Doing so would place an adult at increased risk of harm
• We suspect the parent may be suffering from a psychological condition such as Fabricated or Induced Illness

Sharing information within our own organisation

Within our own organisarions it is essential that we share information appropriately.

It is never a problem to speak to your DSL, line manager, or the setting manager about concerns that you have Your DSL will determine what information can be shared internally, under the guidance of Social Care or the Police where they are involved. Information will only be shared on a “need to know” basis and it important that we maintain confidentiality.