Information Sharing and Confidentiality

Safeguarding depends on the right information reaching the right people at the right time. Data protection law supports sharing to prevent harm, provided the disclosure is necessary, proportionate, and recorded.^[1][5]

Lawful, necessary, proportionate sharing

Consent is desirable but not required when a child is at risk of significant harm.^[1]

Share the minimum necessary facts and avoid speculation.

^[5][3]

Document the lawful basis (safeguarding/public task), what was shared, with whom, when, and any conditions.^[4] Applying the Caldicott principles helps: justify the purpose, use identifiable information only when essential, and ensure access is on a need-to-know basis.^[5]

What to include when sharing concerns

• Factual observations: injuries (location/size), behaviours, verbatim disclosures, delays in presentation.
• Chronology and context: missed appointments, repeated breakages/untreated conditions, inconsistencies in explanations. ^[1][3]
• Risk and immediate needs: safety-net advice given, barriers to attendance, communication needs, key contacts for follow-up.

Working with multi-agency partners

Use local referral forms or portals where available.^[2] If a system fails, telephone the duty team and send a follow-up record.^[2][3]

When police involvement is indicated (for example, FGM mandatory reporting), make direct contact and record the incident number.^[6] Ensure an internal copy is stored in the safeguarding log and referenced in the clinical record.^[2][1]

Share outcomes back to the practice team on a need-to-know basis so continuity of care can be maintained without exposing sensitive details unnecessarily.^[2][5]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Information sharing: advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers — Department for Education Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 — Department for Education Find (opens in a new tab)
3. A 10 step guide to sharing information to safeguard children — Information Commissioner's Office Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Public task — Information Commissioner's Office Find (opens in a new tab)
5. The Caldicott Principles — National Data Guardian Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information — HM Government Find (opens in a new tab)