Share information to protect children and young people at risk, urges UK Information Commissioner

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.

“My message to people supporting and working with children and young people is clear: if you think a child is at risk of harm, you can share information to protect them. You will not get in trouble with the ICO for trying to prevent or lessen a serious risk or threat to a child’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“Data protection law helps organisations share data when required. Our guide will support senior leaders to put strong policies, systems and training in place, so their staff are encouraged and empowered to share data in an appropriate, safe and lawful way.”

- John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner

Free marketing materials and a video have also been produced to support organisations to raise awareness of the benefits of sharing information to protect children and young people from harm.

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.

For more information visit ico.org.uk/datasharing.