Unit 1 Confidentiality
Legislation and Policies Governing Confidentiality and the Sharing of Information:
Data Protection Act 1998
Any organisation that holds information on individuals needs to be registered with the Information Commissioner. This is designed to ensure that confidential information cannot be passed onto others without the individual’s consent, or the parents or guardians consent with regard to children. Individuals also have the right to access personal data held on file about themselves, or in the case of children, the parent or guardian could exercise this right.
There are eight principles of practice that govern the use of personal information.
Information must be: * processed fairly and lawfully * used only for the purpose for which it was gathered * adequate, relevant and not excessive * accurate and kept up to date where necessary * kept for no longer than necessary * processed in line with the individual’s rights * kept secure * not transferred outside the European Union without adequate protection.
Every Child Matters (England 2003) and the subsequent Children Act 2004
This Green Paper was delivered after the tragic case of Victoria Climbié, where it was revealed there was no communication between health and social workers. The Paper stresses the importance of more integrated services and sharing information between professionals. The Children Act 2004 is the Act of Parliament that transposed the Green Paper into law.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The purpose of this Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector. Any person may request information, in writing, held by a school. Schools have a duty to provide advice and assistance to anyone requesting information; however, schools have an over-riding duty to protect confidential personal information relating to pupils and staff.
Types of Information held by Schools:
There are three main types of information that a school may
Data Protection Act 1998
Any organisation that holds information on individuals needs to be registered with the Information Commissioner. This is designed to ensure that confidential information cannot be passed onto others without the individual’s consent, or the parents or guardians consent with regard to children. Individuals also have the right to access personal data held on file about themselves, or in the case of children, the parent or guardian could exercise this right.
There are eight principles of practice that govern the use of personal information.
Information must be: * processed fairly and lawfully * used only for the purpose for which it was gathered * adequate, relevant and not excessive * accurate and kept up to date where necessary * kept for no longer than necessary * processed in line with the individual’s rights * kept secure * not transferred outside the European Union without adequate protection.
Every Child Matters (England 2003) and the subsequent Children Act 2004
This Green Paper was delivered after the tragic case of Victoria Climbié, where it was revealed there was no communication between health and social workers. The Paper stresses the importance of more integrated services and sharing information between professionals. The Children Act 2004 is the Act of Parliament that transposed the Green Paper into law.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The purpose of this Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector. Any person may request information, in writing, held by a school. Schools have a duty to provide advice and assistance to anyone requesting information; however, schools have an over-riding duty to protect confidential personal information relating to pupils and staff.
Types of Information held by Schools:
There are three main types of information that a school may