Organisations will not get in trouble if they share information to protect children and young people at risk of serious harm, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has promised.
This message comes as the ICO publishes new guidance to address concerns from organisations and frontline workers that may be scared to share information for fear of falling foul of data protection law.
The need to improve data sharing practices has been highlighted in recent serious case reviews in the UK where children have died or been seriously harmed through abuse or neglect. Poor information-sharing among organisations and agencies was identified as one of the factors contributing to failures to protect the children.
The ICO will also develop a suite of guidance on sharing information to safeguard children aimed at specific sectors across the UK, recognising the different legislative and policy landscapes.
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