Information Sharing

Sharing information about children, young people and their families is key to delivering integrated working, but it is important that information is shared in a way that respects individuals’ rights.

The Devon Children’s Trust Code of Practice has been signed by the Devon Children’s Trust partners, it sets out the general principles for sharing information between partner agencies and helps ensure we are following consistent standards. It also provides guidance on the issues that should be considered when deciding what, when and how information should be shared.

A Working Practice Agreement as mentioned in the Code of Practice has benefits for partners where there are specific arrangements for sharing information about children and young people. Partnership Contact Officers should be contacted to help set up an agreement. The handling of personal data under these agreements should adhere to the recommendations set out in the Code of Practice.

Devon County Council Information Sharing Packs

Devon Safeguarding Children’s Board and Devon County Council are in the process of distributing Information Sharing packs to children’s service partners across Devon to ensure a consistent approach.

The Information Pack contains the following information:

Format	Title	Date
	The SAFER Golden Rules	November 2009
	Information Sharing Update Letter	June 2010
	Code of practice	July 2010
	Partnership Contact Officers for advice on information sharing	July 2010
	Seven Golden rules for information sharing	December 2008
	Information sharing; Quick reference Guide	March 2009
	Information Sharing: Pocket guide	October 2008

If you require hardcopies of the above information please email iisam@devon.gov.uk

Information sharing is vital for improving outcomes for all. It is key to the Government’s goal of delivering better and more improved efficient public services that are coordinated around the needs of children, young people and families. In addition to the resources provided by Devon County Council, you can find national documents for information sharing on the Every Child Matters website.

Resources

The resources in this section are intended to support good practice by providing guidance and tools on how to share personal information within the legal framework.

Checklists

Below is a selection of checklists that can support you on practical level when sharing information on a day to day basis

Format	Title	Date
	Checklist for requesting information	July 2010
	Checklist for obtaining consent	July 2010
	Checklist for sufficient understanding	July 2010
	Checklist for sharing information securely	July 2010

Templates

This section provides you with a series of example templates that may be used when requesting or disclosing information with other organisations in the Children’s Trust Partnership.

These examples can be used in circumstances where no other documentation exists in your organisation.

Format	Title	Date
	Disclosure cover sheet template	July 2010
	Confidential Disclosure Record template	July 2010
	General Consent Form template	July 2010
	Consent form: photographs, video and digital recordings	July 2010
	Working Practice Agreement template	July 2010

Others

Format	Title	Date
	Frequently Asked Questions	July 2010
	Case studies	July 2010
	Glossary	July 2010
	Useful resources	July 2010

 

An information sharing toolkit has been published on the Every Child Matters website and is available at www.dcsf.gov.uk/ecm/informationsharing.

If you have any concerns of an information sharing nature please contact your Partnership Contact Officer.