What is information sharing and why is it important?
There is a strong emphasis on the need to share information across organisational and professional boundaries, in order to ensure effective coordination and integration of services. The issue formed an important part of both the Laming and Bichard enquiries*. However, much of the information that needs to be shared involves personal details about service users and their needs and the Government has also emphasised the importance of security and confidentiality in relation to personal information. An updated guidance document was released in late 2008 called Information Sharing Guidance for practitioners and managers. The guidance is for practitioners who provide services to children, young people and adults, who have to make decisions about sharing personal information on a case-by-case basis. It is also for managers and advisors who support these practitioners in their decision making and for others with responsibility for information governance.
Please view the ‘Information Sharing’ links on the left-hand side navigation bar for more information.