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Medway Family Information Service Confidentiality Policy
Underlying principles
Medway Family Information Service (FIS) acknowledges that
information relating to children is sensitive and needs to be
handled carefully. It is committed to respecting the
confidentiality of service users and childcare providers
(particularly childminders). Service users and providers have the
right to decide what information they choose to share with the
service. They also have the right to know what information is held
about them and the right to change this information if they believe
it to be inaccurate.
Commitment
Medway FIS staff will not divulge any personal details of
service users or personnel involved in the service to outside
parties without their prior permission except in the circumstances
outlined below.
The confidentiality of service users or personnel will only be
breached if any information received by the FIS gives rise to
concern for the safety or wellbeing of a child. When such
situations arise Medway FIS will:
- explain its role and that of the Child Protection Team;
- explain that the information must be passed on for
investigation;
- establish whether the person is willing to be identified and
contacted directly by the appropriate authority or whether they
wish to remain anonymous;
- record details of the information given and contact the
necessary people immediately.
Medway FIS will comply with the Data
Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of
Information Act 2000 where appropriate.
Implementation
Medway FIS will ensure that all staff are aware of, agree with
and adhere to the confidentiality policy. This includes both staff
employed directly by the FIS and any others who operate on its
behalf or represent it in any way.
Procedures for the collection and maintenance of information
about providers and for enquiry logging will incorporate the
requirements of this policy.
Unauthorised access to data about
individuals will be prevented by a password system for the database
and
secure storage of paper records.
Breaches of confidentiality will be treated as a serious matter
and are addressed in the council's guidelines for
staff.
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