Information sharing

Introduction

Information sharing is vital to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A key factor in many serious case reviews has been a failure to record information, to share it, to understand the significance of the information shared, and to take appropriate action in relation to known or suspected abuse or neglect.

Sharing information is also vital for early intervention to ensure that children and young people with additional needs get the service they require.  It is important that practitioners understand when, why and how they should share information so that they can do so confidently and appropriately as part of their day-to day practice. 

This includes:

  • understanding what information is and is not confidential, and the need in some circumstances to make a judgement about whether confidential information can be shared, in the public interest, without consent
  • understanding and applying good practice in sharing information at an early stage as part of preventative work 
  • understanding that information can normally be shared where judged that a child, young person or adult is at risk of significant harm  
For more information on implementing the information sharing processes please contact Mary Umrigar, Business Manager - Performance, Ealing Council on tel: (020) 8825 7445 or email: umrigarm@ealing.gov.uk