| SPOTLIGHT |
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has said that organisations “will not get in trouble” if they share information to protect children and young people at risk of serious harm.
This comes as the Commissioner publishes new guidance to address concerns from organisations and frontline workers that may be scared to share information for fear of falling foul of data protection law.
The document offers a 10 step guide on data protection considerations when sharing personal information for child safeguarding purposes.
According to the ICO, the need to improve data sharing practices has been highlighted in recent serious case reviews in the UK where children have died or been seriously harmed through abuse or neglect.
Poor information-sharing among organisations and agencies was identified as one of the factors contributing to failures to protect the children.
Free marketing materials and a video have also been produced to support organisations “to raise awareness of the benefits of sharing information to protect children and young people from harm”, said the ICO.
John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, said: “My message to people supporting and working with children and young people is clear: if you think a child is at risk of harm, you can share information to protect them. You will not get in trouble with the ICO for trying to prevent or lessen a serious risk or threat to a child’s mental and physical wellbeing.
“Data protection law helps organisations share data when required. Our guide will support senior leaders to put strong policies, systems and training in place, so their staff are encouraged and empowered to share data in an appropriate, safe and lawful way.”
Lottie Winson
