Local authorities and social service providers have been urged to do more to raise awareness about responsible data sharing to protect children from harm.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched a new campaign called ‘Think. Check. Share.’ which demonstrates how data protection law can help councils to share personal information when required to safeguard children and young people.
As part of the campaign, local authorities can access a new toolkit of free resources to promote responsible data sharing, including posters, videos, infographics and content for social media.
John Edwards, Information Commissioner, said: ‘Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. We understand that frontline workers in social services are sometimes nervous about sharing personal data and the potential consequences this may have. However, if there are concerns that a child is at risk, organisations and their staff need to know they can share personal data to protect that child without falling foul of data protection law.
‘Through our work with local organisations, we want to help improve child safeguarding by ensuring those working with children are empowered to share data in an appropriate, safe and lawful way.’
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