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282 <h2>
282 Recording Policy and Guidelines
282 </h2>
284 </div>
287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 'Good case recording is important to demonstrate the accountability of staff…it helps to focus the
work of staff and supports effective partnerships with service users and carers. It ensures there
is a documented account of the responsible authority's involvement with individual service users,
families and carers and assists with continuity when workers are unavailable or change'.
289 </p>
290 (DfE, The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case
Review (2015))
291 <h3>
291 RELEVANT CHAPTERS
291 </h3>
292 <p>
292 <a href="p_case_rec.html">
292 Case Records and Retention Procedure
292 </a>
292 </p>
293 <p>
293 <a href="p_access_to_recs.html">
293 Access to Records / Subject Access Requests Procedure
293 </a>
293 </p>
294 <p>
294 <a href="p_confid_pol.html">
294 Confidentiality Policy
294 </a>
294 </p>
295 <h3>
295 AMENDMENT
295 </h3>
296 <p>
296 This chapter was amended in April 2020 to reflect the Ofsted Twitter Blog of 24/7/19 by Yvette
Stanley, Ofsted's National Director for Social Care. The Blog highlights feedback from a number of
inspections and explores what good recording should look like (
296 <a
href="https://socialcareinspection.blog.gov.uk/2019/07/24/what-makes-an-effective-case-record/
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
296 Ofsted: developments in children's social care – What makes an effective case record?
296 </a>
296 ).
296 </p>
297 </div>
298 <div id="sections">
300 <h3 id="sections_list">
300 Contents
300 </h3>
301 <ol>
302 <li>
302 <a href="#one">
302 Records Must be Kept on all Children
302 </a>
302 </li>
303 <li>
303 <a href="#two">
303 The Design of Records and Forms Must be Approved
303 </a>
303 </li>
304 <li>
304 <a href="#three">
304 Children and their Families Must be Informed about their Records
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li>
305 <a href="#four">
305 The Practitioner Primarily Involved Should Complete the Record
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li>
306 <a href="#five">
306 All Relevant Information about Children and their Families Must be Recorded
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 <a href="#six">
307 Children and their Families should be Involved in the Recording Process
307 </a>
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 <a href="#seven">
308 Information about Children/their Families should Normally be Shared with them
308 </a>
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 <a href="#eight">
309 Managers must Ensure that Confidential Information is Identified
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 <a href="#nine">
310 Records Must be Kept up to Date
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 <a href="#eleven">
311 Records Must be Written Clearly using Plain Language and Avoid Prejudice
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 <a href="#twelve">
312 Records Must be Accurate and Adequate
312 </a>
312 </li>
313 <li>
313 <a href="#thirteen">
313 Managers Must Oversee, Monitor and Review Records
313 </a>
313 </li>
314 <li>
314 <a href="#fourteen">
314 Records Should be Kept Securely
314 </a>
314 </li>
315 <li>
315 <a href="#fifteen">
315 Removal of Records
315 </a>
315 </li>
316 <li>
316 <a href="#sixteen">
316 Use of Computers at Home
316 </a>
316 </li>
317 </ol>
318 <h3 id="one">
318 1. Records Must be Kept on all Children
318 </h3>
319 <p>
319 The child's record is an important source of information for them as well as a tool for planning
actions and interventions. It provides information about the sequence of events which brought
about Children's Social Care's intervention into their life and provides an explanation for the
reasons why important decisions were made in the child's and/or family's life. The case record can
be key to helping a child understand themselves and their past – especially where the child was
unable to live with their parent/other long term carer.
319 </p>
320 <p>
320 The child's case record will usually be developed from notes taken in the course of a visit or
interview and these may be used directly, or as a result of such information being in a report or
court statement. The Family Court, in the case of RE M and N (Children) (Local authority
gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) advised that social workers/practitioners must make
contemporaneous notes which form a coherent, contemporaneous record. The notes should be legible,
signed and dated and record persons present during the meeting/conversation in question. The notes
should be detailed and accurately attribute descriptions, actions and views etc. In some
instances, sketches/diagrams may be helpful in establishing the veracity of explanations given,
e.g. with regard to how injuries were sustained, etc.
320 </p>
321 <p>
321 <span class="bold">
321 Note
321 </span>
321 : These original notes might need to be disclosed in a court.
321 </p>
322 Each child must have their own electronic case record from the point of referral to case closure;
audio, video and digital recordings may also be kept.
323 <p>
323 Where paper files are also kept, information held in electronic records must accurately reflect
the corresponding information recorded within paper files.
323 </p>
324 <p>
324 Records held on paper may extend to more than one volume. Where more than one volume exists, the
dates covered by each volume must be clearly recorded on the front cover.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 All records, irrespective of whether they are physical or electronic, should be securely kept and
electronic messaging (e.g. emails) should also be sent in a secure and safe way so as to preserve
their confidential and professional nature, (see
325 <a href="#fourteen">
325 Section 13, Records Should be Kept Securely
325 </a>
325 ).
326 </p>
327 <h3 id="two">
327 2. The Design of Records and Forms Must be Approved
327 </h3>
328 <p>
328 Records and forms must be designed to fit their purpose and used consistently across the
organisation. The design should be flexible and promote ready distinction between historical and
current information and not rigidly seek to reflect a presumed social work 'workflow'.
328 </p>
329 <p>
329 A manager must approve the design of all records and forms before coming into use.
329 </p>
330 <h3 id="three">
330 3. Children and their Families Must be Informed about their Records
330 </h3>
331 <p>
331 Children and their families should be told what types of information/data is contained in their
case records.
331 </p>
332 In particular, they should be helped to understand what data is collected on them, how it is used,
who it might be shared with and how long it will be kept for. The most common way to provide
information to Data Subjects on what data is collected and how it is used is through a Privacy
Notice. Privacy Notices must be easily accessible to children, young people and their families, and
should be part of the induction pack given to any new staff members.
333 <p>
333 See
333 <a href="p_confid_pol.html">
333 Confidentiality Policy
333 </a>
333 and
333 <a href="p_access_to_recs.html">
333 Access to Records / Subject Access Requests Procedure
333 </a>
333 .
333 </p>
334 <p>
334 Where children have been adopted, see also
334 <a href="p_acc_adop_recs.html">
334 Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records Procedure
334 </a>
334 .
334 </p>
335 <p>
335 Information must be provided in a form that children and their families will understand - in their
preferred language or method of communication. An interpreter will be provided if needed.
335 </p>
336 <h3 id="four">
336 4. The Practitioner Primarily Involved Should Complete the Record
336 </h3>
337 <p>
337 The practitioner primarily involved, that is the person who directly observes or witnesses the
event that is being recorded or who has participated in the meeting/conversation, must complete
records.
337 </p>
338 <p>
338 Where this is not possible and records are completed or updated by other people, it must be clear
from the record which person provided the information being recorded. Preferably the originator
should read the record to ensure its accuracy.
338 </p>
339 Records of decisions must show who made any decision as well as the basis on which it was made.
340 <p>
340 See also:
340 <a href="#eleven">
340 Section 10, Records Must be Written Clearly using Plain Language and Avoid Prejudice
340 </a>
340 and
340 <a href="#twelve">
340 Section 11, Records Must be Accurate and Adequate
340 </a>
340 .
340 </p>
341 <h3 id="five">
341 5. All Relevant Information about Children and their Families must be Recorded
341 </h3>
342 <p>
342 Every child's case record must hold details of the child's full name, date of birth and any
identification number. Care should be undertaken to ensure the spelling of names is accurate and
where possible, evidenced e.g. birth certificate. In some instances, key information may change
and it is important the record should identify the current circumstance of the child / family.
342 </p>
343 <p>
343 Other professionals and partner agencies providing information/reports should be made aware that
information provided by them may well be included on the child's file and that this could be
accessed by them.
343 </p>
344 <h4>
344 5.1 The Basic Record
344 </h4>
345 <ul>
346 <li>
346 Names and details of everyone who lives in the family home with the child, identifying the
person who has Parental Responsibility;
346 </li>
347 <li>
347 Where the child does not live at their home, the details of the Placement / arrangements and the
legal status of the child;
347 </li>
348 <li>
348 Names and details of anyone particularly close to the child with whom they have a lot of
contact;
348 </li>
349 <li>
349 Information about the child and /or family's communication needs;
349 </li>
350 <li>
350 A record of managers' decisions and reasons for making them;
350 </li>
351 <li>
351 Details of arrangements for contact;
351 </li>
352 <li>
352 Details and, where appropriate, copies of any Orders made on the child;
352 </li>
353 <li>
353 Copies of reports provided during court proceedings, including specialist assessments, the
Children's Guardian, etc;
353 </li>
354 <li>
354 Additional information about educational progress and where the child is Looked After, the
Personal Education Plan (PEP);
354 </li>
355 <li>
355 Where a child has Special Educational Needs or Learning Disability, copies of any relevant
information, including the Education, Health and Care Plan;
355 </li>
356 <li>
356 Appropriate information about the child's health, and where the child is Looked After, a copy of
the Health Plan and Assessment;
356 </li>
357 <li>
357 Details of any arrangements for the responsible authority's functions to be undertaken by a
private provider, e.g. an independent fostering agency or provider of social work services;
357 </li>
358 <li>
358 Copies of all documents used to seek information, provide information or record views given to
the authority in the course of planning and reviewing the child's case and review reports;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 Record of visits and contacts by all practitioners as well as the allocated practitioner.
359 </li>
360 </ul>
361 <h4 id="rec_visit">
361 5.2 Recording Visits
361 </h4>
362 <p>
362 Each visit to a child and their family must be recorded as a case note on the child's record. The
case note will accurately reflect the date and time the visit was attempted or took place. The
content of the case note must also consider and reflect the following information (though this is
not to be seen as a set format for the order in which a case note must be written):
362 </p>
363 <ul>
364 <li>
364 Where the visit took place;
364 </li>
365 <li>
365 Who was present;
365 </li>
366 <li>
366 Who was expected but was absent;
366 </li>
367 <li>
367 The purpose of the visit;
367 </li>
368 <li>
368 Was the visit announced or unannounced;
368 </li>
369 <li>
369 Whether the visit was successful (if not, what efforts were made);
369 </li>
370 <li>
370 When an interpreter is used;
370 </li>
371 <li>
371 Whether the child was seen and spoken to (and if not, why);
371 </li>
372 <li>
372 Whether the child was seen alone and spoken to (and if not, why);
372 </li>
373 <li>
373 Whether the child's bedroom was observed (and if not, why);
373 </li>
374 <li>
374 A summary of key discussions and observations made and how this relates to the child's plan;
374 </li>
375 <li>
375 Any views, wishes, and feelings the child or young person shared, noting for children who have
communication difficulties, what support was available and/or how these views were gleaned;
375 </li>
376 <li>
376 Any views, wishes, and feelings the parents, carers or other family members shared;
376 </li>
377 <li>
377 The quality of the relationship between the social worker and the child;
377 </li>
378 <li>
378 An analysis of what is working well, what the worries are, and what the next steps should be for
the child and their family and how this informs the child's plan and any ongoing assessment;
378 </li>
379 <li>
379 Any worries for the safety of the child or young person that may require more immediate response
or action to help keep them safe from the risk of significant harm;
379 </li>
380 <li>
380 Any worries for the safety of vulnerable adults in the home that may require a referral to
emergency services and/or a referral to Adult Social Care.
380 </li>
381 </ul>
382 <h4>
382 5.3 Other Key Records
382 </h4>
383 <p>
383 The Record must also include a risk assessment, transfer/closing summary (where appropriate) and a
properly maintained Chronology.
383 </p>
384 <p>
384 All other relevant contacts with children, their families, colleagues, professionals or other
significant people must be recorded in the same way, i.e. who was present or seen, the relevant
discussions, actions or decisions taken and by whom, and the reasons for decisions. This includes
conversations, phone calls, visits, letters, emails, decisions made by Agency Decision
Makers/Panels, assessments and reports. The options that have been considered and the child and
the family's preferred choices and the reasons why an option has been chosen if agreement could
not be reached. (Note: care should be undertaken to ensure a breach of the Data Protection Act
2018 does not occur through the inclusion of information about others via reports and emails,
etc.).
384 </p>
385 <p>
385 The child's record should also include relevant and appropriate copies of material from other,
separate records/files that are kept, whilst ensuring that such records remain separate and that
neither confidentiality nor the Data Protection Act are breached. It is recognised that a certain
amount of cross-referencing with siblings is inevitable and desirable, but again, care should be
taken in respect of sibling information that becomes available on the record.
385 </p>
386 <h4>
386 5.4 Important Characteristics of the Record
386 </h4>
387 <p>
387 The record should be structured and maintained in a way that ensures:
387 </p>
388 <ul>
389 <li>
389 The decision-making process is clear;
389 </li>
390 <li>
390 That the views of the child, carers and/or those with Parental Responsibility can be found and
related to the decision-making that has been made together with the responsible authority's
actions;
390 </li>
391 <li>
391 That any material temporarily placed in the record that belongs to the child should be noted as
such so that it can be returned to the child when required / appropriate;
391 </li>
392 <li>
392 Recording should be made of the Review meeting's recommendations / outcomes that are trying to
be achieved with a child and their family, key tasks, by whom and timescales;
392 </li>
393 <li>
393 The recording of interventions and actions should seek to identify which 'Recommendation' or
Outcome they relate to;
393 </li>
394 <li>
394 The recording should seek a proportionate balance to reflect positive and negative aspects of a
child or family's life;
394 </li>
395 <li>
395 The structure of the recording should readily distinguish between current and historical events.
395 </li>
396 </ul>
397 <h4>
397 5.5 Case Summaries
397 </h4>
398 <p>
398 Every 3 months the case file recording should provide a succinct summary of the work undertaken,
specifically linking progress to the Recommendation/Outcomes of the Plan. It therefore promotes
accountability, an understanding of progress and continued planning.
398 </p>
399 <p>
399 It should also highlight fresh issues that have emerged, both strengths as well as concerns, and
reflect how these have been dealt with as well as acknowledging the impact (or otherwise) of any
new issues on the overall nature of the case.
399 </p>
400 <p>
400 The summary helps to bring together the outcomes of all the information and actions with the
child/family and reflect / analyse / evaluate upon the progress of then intervention, including
the child and family's level of engagement with the intervention.
400 </p>
401 <p>
401 The summary, in 'putting the child at the centre' should reflect and have regard to 'what is life
like for this child.'
401 </p>
402 <p>
402 It should also include outcomes of supervision on the case and consider appropriately the local
authority's, and partner agencies, decision-making and the impact this may have had.
402 </p>
403 The Case Summary can reflect on Case Reviews and should comment on the focus of work for the
forthcoming 3 months.
404 <h3 id="six">
404 6. Children and their Families should be Involved in the Recording Process
404 </h3>
405 <p>
405 Children and their families must be routinely involved in the process of gathering and recording
information about them. They should feel they are part of the recording process.
405 </p>
406 <p>
406 They should be asked to provide information, express their own views and wishes, and contribute to
assessments, reports and to the formulation of plans. The child should have the opportunity to
have support to be able to do this if needed, through an Advocate and/or through specialist help,
e.g. a signer.
406 </p>
407 <p>
407 It is recommended that any contribution the child may wish to make, any written material,
certificates etc. should be included on the record as copies, so that the child retains the
original items so that they have their own record of their wishes, progress etc.
407 </p>
408 <p>
408 Children and their parents must be asked to give their agreement to the sharing of information
about them with others Information should be shared with the consent of the child and family if
appropriate and where possible the wishes of those who do not wish confidential information to be
shared should be respected. Information can still be shared without consent if it is in the public
interest to do so. Information sharing decisions should be based on consideration or the safety
and well-being of the person and others who may be affected by the sharing.
408 </p>
409 <p>
409 In such circumstances ensure that the information shared is necessary for the purpose for which it
is being shared and shared only with those who need to have it.
409 </p>
410 <p>
410 Also see:
410 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-ad
vice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
410 DfE Information sharing advice of safeguarding practitioners (2018)
410 </a>
410 .
410 </p>
411 <h3 id="seven">
411 7. Information about Children and their Families Should Normally be Shared with them
411 </h3>
412 <p>
412 Information contained in the case record should usually be shared with the Data Subject unless:
412 </p>
413 <ul>
414 <li>
414 Sharing the information would be likely to result in serious harm to the child or another
person; or
414 </li>
415 <li>
415 The information was given in the expectation that it would not be disclosed; or
415 </li>
416 <li>
416 The information relates to a third party who expressly indicated the information should not be
disclosed.
416 </li>
417 </ul>
418 <p>
418 Where information is obtained and recorded which should not be shared with the child concerned for
one of the above reasons, it should be placed in the 'Restricted from user' section of the
child's record and the reasons should be recorded after taking advice from a manager.
418 </p>
419 <p>
419 See also
419 <a href="p_access_to_recs.html">
419 Access to Records / Subject Access Requests Procedure
419 </a>
419 </p>
420 <p>
420 Where children have been adopted, see also
420 <a href="p_acc_adop_recs.html">
420 Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records Procedure
420 </a>
420 .
420 </p>
421 <p>
421 When sharing a record it is important to record who it was shared with and when. The sharing of
all decision-making documents such as assessments, care plans, reviews, reports and agreements
make it easier for everyone to know what is expected and to work together better.
421 </p>
422 <h3 id="eight">
422 8. Managers Must Ensure that Confidential Information is Identified
422 </h3>
423 <p>
423 Managers must monitor confidential information held on the 'Restricted from user' section of
case records, ensuring that the reason for it being considered confidential is valid; if not, it
should be available to be shared with the child.
423 </p>
424 <p>
424 However, before sharing any such information, the manager must take all reasonable steps to
consult the originator and take account of their views and wishes. See also
424 <a href="p_access_to_recs.html">
424 Access to Records / Subject Access Requests Procedure
424 </a>
424 .
424 </p>
425 <h4 id="writing">
425 8.1 Letter Writing Guidance
425 </h4>
426 <p>
426 <a href="files/letter_writing_guidance.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
426 Click here to view Letter Writing Guidance
426 </a>
426 .
426 </p>
427 <h3 id="nine">
427 9. Records Must be Kept up to Date
427 </h3>
428 <p>
428 Records should be updated from detailed notes made contemporaneously following a visit or
interview; as various information becomes available, or as decisions or actions are taken as soon
as practicable or, at the latest:
428 </p>
429 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
430 <li>
430 Within 24 hours of the event;
430 </li>
431 <li>
431 Within 48 hours of the event for children who have child in need plans or who are looked after;
431 </li>
432 <li>
432 On the same day of the event, where the information is of such importance that it may be needed
for the Out of Hours service to be informed.
432 </li>
433 </ol>
434 <p>
434 (See also:
434 <a href="#one">
434 Section 1, Records Must be Kept on all Children
434 </a>
434 ).
434 </p>
435 Where records are made or updated late or after the event, the fact must be stated as a 'Late
Entry' in the record, and the date and time of the entry should be included.
436 <h3 id="eleven">
436 10. Records Must be Written Clearly using Plain Language and Avoid Prejudice
436 </h3>
437 <p>
437 Records must be written clearly and concisely, using plain language, and in a way that recognises
the right of the child or their parent/carer will access the record (whether whilst the case is
active or at some point in the future).
437 </p>
438 Email communication to colleagues and other professionals (that will be included in the record)
should always be completed with the same care and attention. Records must not contain any
expressions that might give offence to any individual or group of people on the basis of race,
culture, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
439 <p>
439 Use of technical or professional terms, acronyms and abbreviations must be kept to a minimum; and
explained.
439 </p>
440 <p>
440 See
440 <a href="p_access_to_recs.html">
440 Access to Records / Subject Access Requests Procedure
440 </a>
440 and
440 <a href="p_case_rec.html">
440 Case Records and Retention Procedure
440 </a>
440 .
440 </p>
441 <h3 id="twelve">
441 11. Records Must be Accurate and Adequate
441 </h3>
442 <p>
442 Care must be taken to ensure that information contained in records is relevant and accurate and is
sufficient to meet legislative responsibilities and the requirements of these procedures.
442 </p>
443 <p>
443 Every effort must be made to ensure records are factually correct. If a child / young person feels
that information in their record is not accurate, they have a right to request that it is
rectified. Local authorities have 1 month to respond to any such requests and, if any such request
is received, the authority should take reasonable steps to establish if the data is accurate and
rectify the record if necessary.
443 </p>
444 <p>
444 Records must distinguish clearly between assessments, judgements and decisions. Records must also
distinguish between first hand information and information obtained from third parties. Records
must reflect the distinction between fact and opinion. Although it is admissible to record
opinion, it must be recorded as such and not presented as factual.
444 </p>
445 <p>
445 <span class="bold">
445 Note:
445 </span>
445 whilst 'cutting and pasting' techniques are generally not recommended, on those occasions where it
is used, great care should be given to ensure that other parties' details are not included and
that the context of the recording is appropriate and proportionate, (e.g. events that occurred
some time ago do not reflect a current tense or disproportionate sense of relevance).
445 </p>
446 <p>
446 See
446 <a href="p_confid_pol.html">
446 Confidentiality Policy
446 </a>
446 .
446 </p>
447 <h3 id="thirteen">
447 12. Managers Must Oversee, Monitor and Review all Records
447 </h3>
448 <p>
448 The overall responsibility for ensuring all records are maintained appropriately rests with line
managers, although the responsibility can be delegated to other staff as appropriate.
448 </p>
449 <p>
449 The line manager should routinely check samples of records to ensure they are up to date and
maintained as required and, if not, that deficiencies are rectified as soon as practicable.
449 </p>
450 <h3 id="fourteen">
450 13. Records Should be Kept Securely
450 </h3>
451 <p>
451 All records held on children must be kept securely.
451 </p>
452 <p>
452 Children's paper files should normally be stored in a locked cabinet, or a similar manner, usually
in an office which only staff have access to.
452 </p>
453 <p>
453 These records should not be left unattended when not in their normal location.
453 </p>
454 <p>
454 All electronic records must be kept securely and comply with the requirements of the Data
Protection Act 2018. This will include arrangements such as:
454 </p>
455 <ul>
456 <li>
456 Password protection;
456 </li>
457 <li>
457 Automatic log out of screens;
457 </li>
458 <li>
458 Logging off computers;
458 </li>
459 <li>
459 Changing passwords on a regular basis.
459 </li>
460 </ul>
461 <p>
461 Where staff are working in an 'agile' / 'mobile' / 'hot-desking' context, care must be exercised
to ensure that records or computers are not left on or overlooked by others.
461 </p>
462 <h3 id="fifteen">
462 14. Removal of Records
462 </h3>
463 <h4>
463 14.1 Exceptional Occurrence
463 </h4>
464 <p>
464 Records should not normally be taken from the location where they are usually kept.
464 </p>
465 <p>
465 If it is necessary to remove a record from its normal location, a manager should approve this and
should stipulate or agree how long it is necessary to remove the record. The manager must also be
satisfied that adequate measures are in place to ensure the security of the record(s) whilst they
are removed. For example, records must never be left in unattended vehicles.
465 </p>
466 <p>
466 The authorisation for a record to be removed must be recorded and those who may have need to see
the records should be informed of their removal. The manager must then ensure the record is
returned as required/agreed.
466 </p>
467 <p>
467 Should the situation ever occur where a file / documents are lost or mislaid, the local authority
officer must report this immediately to their manager and every reasonable effort should be made
to obtain their recovery. The service user should be advised of such an event.
467 </p>
468 <h4>
468 14.2. Records Moved to a New Location Must be Monitored
468 </h4>
469 <p>
469 Where records are necessarily moved to a new location, the date of transfer should be clearly
recorded.
469 </p>
470 <p>
470 Data protection should be considered in line with the Council's data protection policy.
470 </p>
471 <p>
471 The sender should check that the records have arrived at their intended destination.
471 </p>
472 If records are moving because of a case transfer an audit should be carried out by a manager prior
to transfer to ensure all relevant information and documents are available on the child's record.
473 <h3 id="sixteen">
473 15. Use of Computers at Home
473 </h3>
474 <p>
474 Staff using computers at home for work purposes must ensure that they are working within the rules
of the 'data protection principles' in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018). Staff are
required to familiarise themselves with the local information security policy.
474 </p>
475 <p>
475 This applies to staff using laptop computers and mobile devices in the course of their duties.
475 </p>
476 <p>
476 Should the situation ever occur where a laptop is lost or mislaid, the local authority officer
must report this immediately to their manager and every reasonable effort should be made to obtain
their recovery.
476 </p>
477 Consideration should be given as to whether service users should be advised of such an event.
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