RCGP Safeguarding toolkit
The aim of this toolkit is to enhance the safeguarding knowledge and skills that GPs already have to enable them to continue to effectively safeguard children and young people, as well as adults at risk of harm.
Part 5: Information Sharing and multiagency working
APPENDIX 1: Information sharing advice and guidance
There is a wealth of information sharing guidance relevant to general practice.
The General Medical Council (GMC) provides detailed guidance on confidentiality and information sharing. All GPs should be fully aware of the relevant guidance in its entirety, in particular:
- GMC. Confidentiality: good practice in handling patient information.
- GMC. Protecting children and young people: the responsibilities of all doctors.
- GMC. 0–18 years: guidance for all doctors.
- GMC. Ethical Hub: Adult safeguarding. Reviewed January 2024. This hub provides resources exploring how to apply the existing guidance in practice - it does not set out new professional standards.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides detailed guidance on UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). In particular:
- ICO. A 10 step guide to sharing information to safeguard children.September 2023.
- ICO. A guide to lawful basis. October 2022.
- ICO. Data sharing: a code of practice. May 2021.
The British Medical Association (BMA) provides guidance also:
- BMA. Adults at risk, confidentiality, and disclosure of information. Updated June 2024.
- BMA. Children and young people toolkit. January 2024.
The UK Caldicott Guardian Council (UKCGC) also provides useful guidance on information sharing and disclosure:
- UKCGC. Information sharing and disclosure.
- UKCGC. Information Sharing in Cases of Domestic Violence and Abuse. Guidance for health and care professionals and other agencies.
- UKCGC. Information/Data Sharing Decision template.
Northern Ireland-specific guidance
- Department of Health. Guidance on Information Sharing for Child Protection Purposes.Updated June 2024.
- Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland. Procedures Manual. Updated December 2023.
Scotland-specific guidance
- Scottish Government. NHS Scotland Caldicott Guardians: Principles into Practice. February 2011.
- Scottish Government. Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) Practice Guidance 4 – Information Sharing.September 2022.
- Scottish Government. Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007: Code of Practice. July 2022.
- Scottish Government. Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007: guidance for General Practice. July 2022.
- NHS Scotland. Protecting Patients Confidentiality. The Common Law Duty of Confidentiality in practice. July 2023.
Wales-specific guidance
Welsh Government. Wales Accord on the Sharing of Personal Information (WASPI).