90 likes | 104 Views
Gain confidence in sharing information by understanding legal frameworks. Explore key principles, data protection laws, and 7 Golden Rules for effective information sharing. Learn about legal duties to maintain confidentiality and exceptions. Ensure compliance with Data Protection Act and Common Law principles. Access NSCB protocols and guidance for best practices in information sharing.
E N D
Information sharing: the legal framework Dr Caroline Ball Chair, Norfolk Safeguarding Children Board
Confidence about sharing information requires: • Confident familiarity with the principles underpinning the law relating to confidentiality • Elimination of confusion regarding data protection law • Adherence to the 7 Golden Rules for information sharing
Sources of the legal duty to preserve confidentiality (1) • (i) Human Rights Act 1998 • Article 8(i) ECHR: everyone has the right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence, • Unless an exception in Art.8(ii) applies which must be • in accordance with the law; • and • necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of crime or disorder, protection of health and morals or for the protection of rights and freedoms of others. The question: would sharing be in accordance with Art8(2) and PROPORTIONATE
Sources of the legal duty to preserve confidentiality (2) • (ii) Common Law and Equity –legal principles established over the years to achieve fair outcomes
The equitable principle • Lord Goff in A-G v Guardian Newspapers Ltd [1990] 1 AC 109, • “a duty of confidence arises when confidential information comes to the knowledge of a person (the confidant) in circumstances where he has notice, or is held to have agreed, that the information is confidential, with the effect that it would be just in all the circumstances that he should be precluded from disclosing the information to others”
Exceptions to the legal duty • Consent • Public interest • Danger to health and safety of others • X v Y and Others [1988] and W v Egdell [1990] • The prevention or detection of serious crime
7 Golden Rules for Information Sharing (1) 1. The Data Protection Act 1998 is not a barrier to sharing information • Be open and honest • Seek advice • Share with consent where appropriate • Consider safety and well-being
7 Golden Rules for Information Sharing (2) • Ensure that the information shared is: • Necessary • Proportionate • Relevant • Accurate • Timely, and • Secure 7. Keep a record
Accessing information about information sharing • NSCB Protocols on information sharing (8, 24, 28 and 32) • Information Sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers, DCSF, 2009 * • the seven golden rules*, and • an accompanying flow chart *access on the the NSCB website – bottom of the Publications and Links page www.nscb.norfolk.gov.uk The end