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W874 [WCAG21 2.4.1 (A)] Add a skip navigation link as the first link on the page:
If your document has structure then you should add a skip navigation link to make it easier for accessible users to get to the page's content. To ensure detection, skip navigation links should point to a <main> element, or an element with role='main'. See Understanding 2.4.1, and Skip Navigation. <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
2 P967 [WCAG21 3.1.1 (A)] Use the 'lang' attribute to denote the primary language of the document:
You should always identify the primary natural language of a document using a 'lang' attribute on the <html> element. See WCAG 2.1 HTML Technique H57. <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
3 <head>
4 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"/>
5 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 22
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
6 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 23
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <meta http-equiv="Content-Script-Type" content="text/javascript" />
7 <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" />
8 <title>
8 Information Sharing | Next Stage 4Life
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22 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 5
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
23 W605 Duplicate tag found: See matching tag on line: 6
A duplicate tag has been found with the same attributes. Although this should not affect the page, it indicates that a mistake may have been made. <meta http-equiv="Content-Script-Type" content="text/javascript" />
24 W609 The 'content-type' HTTP header specifies a character set of UTF-8, which is different to the value
given here:
The 'content-type' HTTP header specifies a different character set to that specified in the tag. In this case the HTTP header takes precedence. <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" />
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50 <form action="search/search.html" id="cse-search-box" style="margin: 0px;">
51 I899 [WCAG21 1.3.2 (A)] Layout tables must represent their content in a meaningful sequence:
Screen readers can struggle to read out tables sensibly, so it is often better to use alternative mark-up and CSS to layout content. Try disabling the table mark-up to see if it still makes sense. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F49. <table width="97%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
52 <tr>
53 <td>
53 E885 [WCAG21 1.1.1/1.3.1/3.3.2/4.1.2 (A)] User interface controls should have a label or an accessible
name:
Associate form controls with <label> tags, or use the 'aria-label' or 'aria-labelledby' attributes to label controls where it might be confusing or not possible to use a label. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F68. <input type="text" name="zoom_query" class="search_input" size="20" id="zoom_searchbox" value="Search this
manual" onfocus="this.value=(this.value=='Search this manual') ? '' : this.value;"
onblur="this.value=(this.value=='') ? 'Search this manual' : this.value;" style="margin-right: 5px;" />
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54 <td>
54 <input type="submit" value="Go"/>
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60 <div id="printReady">
61 <div id="container">
62 <div id="content_frame_overflow">
62 <div class="content_text">
63 <h1 class="h1">
63 Information Sharing
63 </h1>
64 <div class="scope_box" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 15px;">
65 <h2 class="h3">
65 REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
65 </h2>
66 <p>
66 <a
href="http://qualitystandards.proceduresonline.com/homes/p_quality_standards.html#ch_views
" target="_blank">
66 The Children's Views, Wishes and Feelings Standard
66 </a>
66 <br />
67 Regulation 7
67 </p>
68 <h3 class="h3">
68 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
68 </h3>
69 <p>
69 Staff working in the home should understand their responsibility to keep children's personal
data secure. However they should also feel confident about situations where they can share
information without consent in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child.
69 </p>
70 <h3 class="h3">
70 RELEVANT GUIDANCE
70 </h3>
71 <p>
71 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharin
g-advice" target="_blank">
71 Information Sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children,
young people, parents and carers
71 </a>
71 </p>
72 <p>
72 LSCP Information Sharing Guidance for the area where the home is located.
72 </p>
73 <h3 class="h3">
73 RELATED CHAPTERS
73 </h3>
74 <p>
74 <a href="p_acc_rec.html">
74 Access to Records Procedure
74 </a>
74 </p>
75 <p>
75 <a href="p_consents.html">
75 Consents and Delegated Authority
75 </a>
75 </p>
76 <h3 class="h3">
76 AMENDMENT
76 </h3>
77 <p>
77 This chapter was significantly updated in September 2019.
77 </p>
78 </div>
79 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
79 <br />
80 Contents
80 </h2>
81 <ol>
82 <li>
82 <a href="#intro">
82 Introduction
82 </a>
82 </li>
83 <li>
83 <a href="#framework">
83 The Legal Framework
83 </a>
83 </li>
84 <li>
84 <a href="#key">
84 Key Points for Workers when Sharing Information
84 </a>
84 </li>
85 <li>
85 <a href="#informing">
85 Informing Children about Disclosure
85 </a>
85 </li>
86 <li>
86 <a href="#sharing">
86 Sharing Information with other Professionals to Provide the Best Possible Care
86 </a>
86 </li>
87 </ol>
88 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
88 <br />
89 1.
89 <a name="intro" id="intro">
89 </a>
89 Introduction
89 </h2>
90 <p>
90 Everyone working in the home has a responsibility to ensure that personal information collected
on children in our care is stored securely, and that when it is shared with other agencies this
is done appropriately and in accordance with the law.
90 </p>
91 <p>
91 The Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) provide a
framework to ensure that personal information which is collected and processed by organisations
is done so fairly and lawfully, that it is accurate and relevant, stored securely (for no longer
than necessary) and that, when it is shared, this is done appropriately and lawfully.
91 </p>
92 <p>
92 When working with children and families, effective sharing of information is essential for the
early identification of need, to complete robust assessments and to provide services which are
tailored to individual need.
92 </p>
93 <p>
93 Keeping children safe from harm will require staff in children's homes and others to be
proactive and share the following types of information:
93 </p>
94 <ul>
95 <li>
95 Any concerns they have about the safety or welfare of a child; and
95 </li>
96 <li>
96 Any adults with whom a child is having contact which may impact on the child’s safety or
welfare.
96 </li>
97 </ul>
98 <p>
98 Information sharing is also essential for the identification of patterns of behaviour; for
example when a child has gone missing and when multiple children appear associated to the same
context or locations of risk (this would include for example, concerns around trafficking, Child
Sexual Exploitation and Child Criminal Exploitation).
98 </p>
99 <p>
99 Often, it is only when information from a number of sources has been shared and is then put
together, that it becomes clear that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, significant
harm.
99 </p>
100 <p>
100 Staff in Children’s Homes should not assume that someone else will pass on information
that they think may be critical to keeping a child safe. Anyone who has concerns about a
child’s welfare and considers that they may be a Child in Need or that the child has
suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm, should share their concerns with the
child’s social worker and / or the Police.
100 </p>
101 <p>
101 Staff should use their professional judgement and knowledge from training when making decisions
about when to share information. If staff have any concerns or doubts, the home's manager or
safeguarding lead should be consulted for advice.
101 </p>
102 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
102 <br />
103 2.
103 <a name="framework" id="framework">
103 </a>
103 The Legal Framework
103 </h2>
104 <p>
104 The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent,
or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children safe. Legal and secure
information sharing between homes, Children's Social Care, the Police and other local agencies
(such as schools), will be essential for keeping children safe and ensuring they get the support
they need.
104 </p>
105 <ul>
106 <li>
106 The overarching principle set out in the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 is that any
personal information cannot be shared with another person / organisation unless either: the
child / young person providing the information (or their parent / carer if the child does not
have sufficient age and understanding) has consented to their information being shared; or
106 </li>
107 <li>
107 The disclosure / sharing is necessary to safeguard the welfare of a child or adult at risk, in
which case the public interest in protecting children and at adults at risk permits the
sharing of personal information without consent
107 </li>
108 </ul>
110 Fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to promote the
welfare, and protect the safety of, children which must always be the paramount concern. The GDPR
and Data Protection Act 2018 are not barriers to sharing information, where the failure to do so
would cause the safety or well-being of a child to be compromised. Similarly, human rights
concerns, such as respecting the right to a private and family life would not prevent sharing
where there are real safeguarding concerns. The most important consideration is whether sharing
information is likely to support the safeguarding and protection of a child. In the case of
Children in Need, or children at risk of significant harm, it is difficult to foresee
circumstances where the law would be a barrier to sharing personal information with other
practitioners. (
110 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-ad
vice" target="_blank">
110 Information Sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young
people, parents and carers
110 </a>
110 ).
111 <p>
111 Staff should therefore feel confident that information can be shared even without consent if to
gain consent would place a child (or vulnerable adult) at risk, or the sharing is necessary to
safeguard the welfare of a child or adult at risk, in which case the public interest permits the
sharing of information.
111 </p>
112 <p>
112 Whenever information is shared, it must be done securely and in accordance with any relevant
local policies. In addition sharing should always be proportionate (meaning only relevant / key
information is shared).
112 </p>
113 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
113 <br />
114 3.
114 <a name="key" id="key">
114 </a>
114 Key Points for Workers when Sharing Information
114 </h2>
115 <ul>
116 <li>
116 Wherever possible you should be open and honest with the child / young person (and/or their
family where appropriate) from the outset as to why, what, how and with whom their information
will be shared;
116 </li>
117 <li>
117 Seek advice from other practitioners (such as your manager or safeguarding lead) if you are in
any doubt about sharing the information concerned, this should be done without disclosing the
identity of the individual where possible;
117 </li>
118 <li>
118 Where possible share information with consent, and where possible, respect the wishes of those
who do not consent to having their information shared. Under the Data Protection Act 2018 and
GDPR, you may still share information without consent if, in your judgement, there is a lawful
basis to do so, such as where safety may be at risk. You will need to base your judgement on
the facts of the case. When you are sharing or requesting personal information from someone,
be certain of the basis upon which you are doing so;
118 </li>
119 <li>
119 Sharing should always be necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure:
Ensure that the information you share is necessary for the purpose for which you are sharing
it, that it is shared only with those people who need to have it, that it is accurate and
up-to-date, that it is shared in a timely fashion, and that is shared securely (Staff should
always follow the home's policy for handling personal information);
119 </li>
120 <li>
120 Keep a record of your decision and the reasons for it - whether it is to share information or
not. If you decide to share, then record what you have shared, with whom and for what purpose.
120 </li>
121 </ul>
122 <p>
122 Source:
122 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-
advice" target="_blank">
122 Information Sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children,
young people, parents and carers
122 </a>
122 .
122 </p>
123 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
123 <br />
124 4.
124 <a name="informing" id="informing">
124 </a>
124 Informing Children about Disclosure
124 </h2>
125 <p>
125 Children should be informed of the circumstances in which information about them will be shared
with other professionals and their consent to this sharing should be sought. This information
may be provided in the form of a Children's Guide, a Privacy Notice or in other ways, and it
will be made clear that in each case the information passed on will only be what is relevant and
on a 'need to know' basis.
125 </p>
126 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
126 <br />
127 5.
127 <a name="sharing" id="sharing">
127 </a>
127 Sharing Information with other Professionals to Provide the Best Possible Care
127 </h2>
128 <p>
128 Sharing relevant information promptly with others working with the same child is central to
safeguarding the child's interests and to ensuring they receive the best possible care. Staff in
children's homes should work in partnership with other professionals involved in caring for the
child (for example, education, social workers, health professionals and youth justice) to
monitor the child's progress, share information and obtain expert advice as appropriate.
Therefore, relevant information about children must be shared with colleagues, other
professionals or agencies who have a role to play in their care or need the information in order
to look after the child.
128 </p>
129 <p>
129 Where information is requested by telephone or electronically, great care must be taken to
ensure that the recipient is entitled to receive the information requested. Where there is any
doubt the information may not be provided without the approval of a Manager.
129 </p>
130 <p>
130 <br />
131 <br />
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139 I899 [WCAG21 1.3.2 (A)] Layout tables must represent their content in a meaningful sequence:
Screen readers can struggle to read out tables sensibly, so it is often better to use alternative mark-up and CSS to layout content. Try disabling the table mark-up to see if it still makes sense. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F49. <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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146 W884 [WCAG21 2.1.1/2.1.3 (A/AAA)] Mouse/Pointer event handlers require keyboard equivalents:
When using mouse/pointer event handlers on elements that can be accessed by keyboard, ensure that you provide an equivalent keyboard handler. See WCAG 2.1 Failure F54. <input name="printMe" type="image" onclick="printSpecial()" value="Print this Page"
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