Seeking advice

If in doubt about the boundaries of information sharing, practitioners should seek advice from their line managers. Further consultation may be necessary with agency advisors for GIRFEC and/or child protection. There should also be a governance lead to consult about the sharing of information in principle, without disclosing the identity of the individual. In any circumstances, agreement or disagreement and course of action or intervention should be recorded.

Within health services, Caldicott Guardians are senior persons appointed to ensure that personal information is processed legally, ethically and appropriately. Caldicott Guardians provide leadership and informed guidance on complex matters involving confidentiality and information sharing (A Manual for Caldicott Guardians). If and when there is a decision to share information in relation to a child protection concern, then consideration should be given to the necessity to consult the child or young person’s named person (or equivalent, where applicable), and where there is one appointed, the lead professional. They may have information that is relevant to the concern.